Soccer-Underdogs Al-Ain Can Make Asian Champions League Dream Come True, Says Erik

Al-Ain deserved to achieve the Asian Champions League closing after eliminating Saudi giants Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr and can proceed to defy the chances to make their dream of lifting the trophy come true, Brazilian defender Erik has informed Reuters.

The aspect from the United Arab Emirates progressed 5-4 on mixture towards Al Hilal, profitable 4-2 within the first leg earlier than dropping 2-1 within the return final Tuesday when Erik equalised earlier than struggling an damage that compelled him off after 18 minutes.

They may face Yokohama F Marinos within the closing after the Japanese group beat Ulsan Hyundai on penalties.

In opposition to the chances Al-Ain beat Al-Hilal, who’ve a number of internationals together with defender Kalidou Koulibaly, goalkeeper Bono and striker Alexander Mitrovic, who missed the tie injured, plus midfield duo Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ruben Neves.

“We’ve watched Al-Hilal towards native rivals Al-Ittihad within the Champions League and we have been capable of see the weaknesses of each,” left again Erik mentioned in an interview.

“God wrote the right story and selected Al-Ain to battle Al Hilal’s invincibility and there’s nothing extra rewarding than that”.

Al-Ain ended Al-Hilal’s world file run of 34 consecutive victories once they received the primary leg.

“We have been conscious of our group’s energy, though most predictions have been in favour of Al-Hilal. We have been decided to compete strongly whatever the opponent’s energy. We by no means stopped dreaming,” Erik added.

“With the arrogance that we gained within the first half at residence within the first leg the idea elevated that we might qualify for the ultimate.”

Al-Ain’s Argentine coach Hernan Crespo exacted revenge for final season’s 7-0 loss to Al-Hilal within the Champions League when he was answerable for Qatar’s Al-Duhail.

“Crespo informed us earlier than the primary recreation that he’s very pleased with us and that Al-Hilal gamers aren’t from one other world,” the Brazilian added.

“We belief our coach; he’s a legend on the planet of soccer. He spoke to us with confidence, expertise and his phrases gave us hope.”

BIG DREAM

Shock package deal Al-Ain knocked out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr within the quarter-finals in a penalty shootout after a 4-4 draw on mixture.

“Earlier than the match started, in response to the media, our probabilities have been 1% or much less of being champions.

“I feel logically we made the job simpler and solely us or Marinos can win the competitors this season.

“That’s already a giant privilege and we’re very proud and can battle with all of our energy for our huge dream,” he mentioned of his aspect’s possibilities of lifting the trophy.

“We adopted the sport between Marinos and Ulsan Hyundai within the semi-finals and we had already began finding out each groups.”

Erik expects to be accessible for the ultimate regardless of being injured towards Al-Hilal. The primary leg takes place on Could 11 at Yokohama with Al-Ain internet hosting the return two weeks later.

Requested about the potential of shifting to the Saudi league, he mentioned: “It’s tough for me to play for one more membership in Asia, I really feel at residence right here. I’m a participant for Al-Ain, the most important membership within the Emirates.

Nevertheless, Erik added: “If there’s an excellent provide for Al-Ain and for me, nothing is unattainable. Everybody is aware of my want is to play in Europe, however now I’ve the chance to play within the closing of the Asian Champions League…

“I feel to play for Brazil it’s simpler to maneuver to Europe, the Brazilian group doesn’t have eyes for Asia however I proceed to do my finest and belief that God’s will comes true in my life.”

(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – Reuters)