Al Nasr, struggling of late in the Pro League, could not do any better last night in their Group C opener after the Dubai club lost 3-0 to Sepahan in Iran.
Walter Zenga’s side were largely outplayed by the hosts, who gained control of the match in the 21st minute through Xhevahir Sukaj.
The Albanian striker put the Iranian champions in front when he directed Mohammad Reza Khalatbari’s deep cross past Ahmed Shambieh in the visiting goal.
Nasr fielded Bruno Correa in attack against his former club, but the Brazilian spurned his side’s only clear-cut chance, mis-hitting an attempted lob as the first half drew to a close.
Zenga introduced Takayuki Morimoto after the interval in an attempt to push for an equaliser, but Nasr, twice beaten by these opponents last season, could not cope with Sepahan’s incisive interplay and eventually conceded two late goals.
Khalatbari squared for Sukaj to notch his second with 10 minutes remaining and Omid Ebrahimi completed the scoring five minutes later.
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