18 February 2025 at 16:00
Match Summary
Esteghlal FC defeated Al-Rayyan SC 2:0. The match was played in AFC Champions League Elite 2024. Goals were scored by M. Azadi 46′, A. Koushki 69′. 4 yellow cards were shown. Al-Rayyan SC had 67% possession while Esteghlal FC held 33%. Al-Rayyan SC had 15 shots (6 on target) compared to 9 (4 on target) for Esteghlal FC. Al-Rayyan SC made 5 substitutions, Esteghlal FC made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Al-Rayyan SC and Esteghlal FC — 2 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: A. Koushki
Match Statistics
Al-Rayyan SC had 67% possession against Esteghlal FC's 33%. Al-Rayyan SC registered 15 shots (6 on target) while Esteghlal FC managed 9 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 8–2. Fouls committed: 12–8.
Lineups
Al-Rayyan SC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Esteghlal FC deployed a —.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Al-Rayyan SC is 7.06, compared to 6.97 for Esteghlal FC. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Al-Rayyan SC's highest-rated starter is Róger Guedes (7.62), while Esteghlal FC's best-rated player is S. Hardani (7.32).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Al-Rayyan SC have contributed 11 goals and 3 assists this season, led by Róger Guedes (8G). Esteghlal FC's starters account for 2 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by R. Rezaeian (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Al-Rayyan SC deploy 4 defenders rated 6.87 on average, against Esteghlal FC's 5-man backline averaging 7.11. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Al-Rayyan SC field 5 midfielders averaging 7.62, versus Esteghlal FC's 4 rated 7.00. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Al-Rayyan SC start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Esteghlal FC averaging 6.65. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 85% for Al-Rayyan SC and 78% for Esteghlal FC. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Al-Rayyan SC's starters have collected 14 yellow cards this season, compared to 2 for Esteghlal FC. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Al-Rayyan SC's starting XI is 30.4 (youngest: André Amaro (23), oldest: Paulo Victor (39)), while Esteghlal FC average 29.9 (youngest: M. Azadi (26), oldest: R. Rezaeian (35)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Al-Rayyan SC's starters average 11 league appearances each, versus 4 for Esteghlal FC. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Artur Jorge
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Al-Rayyan SC have recorded 4 wins, 2 draws and 0 defeats. Esteghlal FC show 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Al-Rayyan SC
Esteghlal FC
API data: 20 Apr 2026