Iran’s Persepolis have been gearing up to play against Qatar’s Al-Sadd in Doha, in the 1st leg of their West Asia semi-final encounter.

This is the 3rd time Iranian and Qatari clubs are facing each other at the 2018 AFC Champions League knockout stages.

In the quarterfinals, Al-Sadd defeated Esteghlal 5-3 on aggregate, while Persepolis mounted a thrilling comeback in the 2nd leg to eliminate Al-Duhail.

The Iranian outfit are full of confidence, after ousting Al-Duhail, who had previously won all nine of its matches at the Asian tournament. The Red Army have reached the semi-finals of the competition for the 2nd time in a row.