Traktor of Iran reaches Jeddah for ACL round of 16 during ongoing conflict
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Iranian team Traktor Sazi FC has arrived in Saudi Arabia amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and confirmed on Monday its participation in the AFC Champions League Elite round of 16.
The West Asia playoffs were delayed in March following the initiation of hostilities by the United States and Israel against Iran. After the round of 16 was rescheduled and Iran’s match against Shabab Al-Ahli from the United Arab Emirates was relocated to Jeddah, uncertainty remained regarding Tractor’s involvement—the 2025 Iranian league champions.
Iran has launched missiles into Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally, and on March 26, Iran prohibited its sports teams from traveling to “hostile” nations.
Nonetheless, Traktor reached Jeddah on Sunday after an extensive journey, traveling overland from Tabriz in northwestern Iran into Turkey before flying from Istanbul.
“Our situation leading into this match is complex, and the 90 minutes against Shabab Al-Ahli will be challenging for us,” Traktor coach Mohammad Rabiei stated at a press conference on Monday, one day prior to the match.
The team has not participated in a competitive match since February 28 due to the suspension of the Iranian league.
“We have significant aspirations to win our upcoming matches and advance to the Asian final,” Rabiei continued. “Starting tomorrow, everyone will witness the high level we possess, despite the considerable challenges we have encountered recently.”
On Monday, Karim Benzema missed a penalty in a shootout as Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal fell to Qatar’s Al-Sadd 4-2 after their round-of-16 match concluded 3-3 following extra time.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring for Al Hilal, a four-time champion, in the first half, but Brazilian forward Claudinho equalized seven minutes later. Shortly after halftime, Salem Al-Dawsari restored Al Hilal’s lead, only for Rafa Mujica to equalize once more.
Marcos Leonardo regained the lead in the 67th minute, and three minutes later, former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino made it 3-3, sending the match into extra time and subsequently to penalties.
In another match, Riyad Mahrez scored in the 117th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for defending champion Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia over Al-Duhail of Qatar. Earlier in extra time, England striker Ivan Toney missed a penalty for Al Ahli.
Jeddah will host the remainder of the tournament. The quarterfinals are set to commence on Thursday, with the final scheduled for April 25.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
