Juan Bezerra scores first Shabab Al Ahli goal in win over Esteghlal

Juan Bezerra scored his first goal for Shabab Al Ahli as the United Arab Emirates side defeated Esteghlal 2-0 at Rashid Stadium in the third round of the AFC Champions League Elite.

The former Zamalek player sealed the victory in the 84th minute, after Matheus Lima had put Shabab Al Ahli ahead 15 minutes earlier. The result maintained the club’s perfect start to the competition and secured another three points.

Shabab Al Ahli have now won all three of their matches, taking their tally to nine points. They are level with Al Ain at the top of the standings, while Esteghlal remain on six points.

Bezerra’s goal added to his growing influence since joining the Emirati club from Zamalek and completed a win that had been built on sustained pressure after half-time.

Shabab Al Ahli began the match positively and came close to taking the lead in the fifth minute. Serdar Azmoun failed to convert a headed opportunity from Kwan Santos’ cross.

Esteghlal then threatened in the 17th minute, when Matheus Donelli saved a shot from Saleh Hardani to keep the scores level.

The home side increased the tempo after the interval and almost broke the deadlock six minutes into the second half. Cascardo ran through on goal after receiving a pass from Serdar Azmoun, but the Esteghlal goalkeeper denied him.

Shabab Al Ahli continued to press and were rewarded in the 69th minute, when Matheus Lima found the net to give them the lead.

Esteghlal attempted to respond, but Shabab Al Ahli remained organised and limited their opponents’ chances of recovering. Bezerra then struck six minutes from time to confirm another important victory and preserve his side’s strong opening to the AFC Champions League Elite.