Al-Ain deserved to reach the Asian Champions League final after eliminating Saudi giants Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr and will continue to defy the odds to make their dream of lifting the trophy come true, Brazilian defender Erik has told Reuters.
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Asian Champions League - Semi Final - Second Leg - Al Hilal v Al Ain - Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - April 23, 2024 Al-Ain's Erik celebrates after the match REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
Against the odds Al-Ain beat Al-Hilal, who have several internationals including defender Kalidou Koulibaly, goalkeeper Bono and striker Alexander Mitrovic, who missed the tie injured, plus midfield duo Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ruben Neves. "With the confidence that we gained in the first half at home in the first leg the belief increased that we could qualify for the final."
"We trust our coach; he is a legend in the world of football. He spoke to us with confidence, experience and his words gave us hope."Surprise package Al-Ain knocked out Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the quarter-finals in a penalty shootout after a 4-4 draw on aggregate. "That's already a big privilege and we are very proud and will fight with all of our strength for our big dream," he said of his side's chances of lifting the trophy.
Asked about the possibility of moving to the Saudi league, he said:"It's difficult for me to play for another club in Asia, I feel at home here. I'm a player for Al-Ain, the biggest club in the Emirates.
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