ABU DHABI: A Sebastian Tagliabue brace helped Al Wahda to a
resounding 5-1 win over Al Rayyan in Group D of the AFC Champions
League on Monday as the Emirati side claimed their first victory
of this year's competition and kept alive their Round of 16 qualification
hopes.
Spanish forward Sergio Garcia had given visitors Al Rayyan an early
lead at Al Nahyan Stadium, but saw his side’s advantage disappear
just 12 minutes later when Jorge Valdivia’s clever through ball picked
out Ahmed Al Akberi who leveled the scores.
By half-time, Al Wahda were ahead as Balasz Dzsudzsak’s well struck
effort deflected in off team-mate Tagliabue, before Salem Sultan
turned home a Dzsudzsak free-kick seven minutes after the restart.
Tagliabue and Khalil Ibrahim added gloss to the scoreline as Al Wahda
moved within three points of second-placed Al Rayyan ahead of their
Matchday Six encounter with third-placed Persepolis, who played
out a scoreless draw with Al Hilal in Monday's other Group D fixture
as Al Hilal secured their progression to the knockout phase.
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