Tractor Books Shines at 2024-25 ACL: Secures Two Quarterfinal Spots!

Tractor secured its place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Two 2024-25 after an exhilarating 3-3 draw against Bahrain’s Al Khaldiya in the Round of 16, second leg match on Tuesday. The Iranian team advanced with a 5-4 aggregate score, setting up an exciting clash in the last eight against either Al Wakrah SC from Qatar or Al Taawoun FC from Saudi Arabia.

The match began with a burst of energy from Tractor, as they scored their first goal in the 15th minute. Mehdi Torabi showcased his playmaking skills by releasing Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh, who skillfully maneuvered past his defender to slot the ball into the net, giving Tractor an early lead.

Al Khaldiya responded swiftly, creating their first opportunity in the 19th minute. Jovan Marinkovic had a chance to equalize when he directed a header just wide of the left post following a corner taken by Dhurgham Ismail.

Tractor extended their lead in the 32nd minute. After a close-range attempt by Hosseinzadeh was parried by Al Khaldiya’s goalkeeper Mohammad Al Gharably, Strkalj was quick to react, volleying the rebound into the bottom right corner of the goal.

In a bid to turn the tide, Al Khaldiya made a triple substitution just before the half-time whistle, introducing Nizar Al Rashdan, Salaah Al Yahyaei, and Mahdi Abduljabbar. This strategic move paid off shortly after the break.

In the 57th minute, Abduljabbar found the net, reducing the deficit by converting a cutback from Al Yahyaei. Moments later, he struck again, seizing on a misplaced pass from Tractor captain Shoja Khalilzadeh to Alireza Beiranvand, tapping the ball home with ease, as reported by the-afc.com.

Tractor, however, was not ready to concede defeat. They regained their lead in the 71st minute when Al Gharably blocked a shot from Strkalj, but Torabi was on hand to convert the rebound, restoring Tractor’s advantage.

The drama continued as Al Khaldiya equalized for the second time in the third minute of added time. Mohamed Al Romaihi managed to head in a cross from Al Yahyaei, but despite their efforts, it was not enough to change the outcome. Tractor held firm, ultimately securing their advancement to the quarter-finals.

Key Moments from the Match

• 15th Minute: Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh opens the scoring for Tractor.
• 19th Minute: Jovan Marinkovic’s header misses the target for Al Khaldiya.
• 32nd Minute: Strkalj doubles Tractor’s lead with a rebound goal.
• 57th Minute: Mahdi Abduljabbar scores to bring Al Khaldiya back into the game.
• 71st Minute: Torabi nets the rebound to restore Tractor’s lead.
• 90+3rd Minute: Mohamed Al Romaihi heads in to equalize for Al Khaldiya.

This match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also showcased individual brilliance and tactical ingenuity. As Tractor moves forward in the tournament, fans will eagerly anticipate their next challenge in the quarter-finals. The team’s resilience and ability to respond to pressure were key factors in their success, proving that they are a formidable contender in the AFC Champions League Two.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Tractor as they prepare to face either Al Wakrah SC or Al Taawoun FC. With their recent performance, they have established themselves as a team to watch, and their journey in the AFC Champions League Two is far from over.