Jimenez believes Al Nasr can get the job done

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Jimenez believes Al Nasr can get the job done
Al Nasr celebrate their win over Bani Yas. - KT file

Dubai - Jovanovic's men stand on the threshold of making the cut for the Round of 16 of the Asian competition

By James Jose

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Published: Tue 19 Apr 2016, 5:28 PM

Last updated: Wed 20 Apr 2016, 12:49 AM

dubai - The next fortnight or so will be the most critical for Al Nasr as they chase their destiny on two fronts. The Blue Wave, already dumped out of the season-ending President's Cup of which they were the holders, could end the season on a high, depending on how they fare in the AFC Champions League and the Arabian Gulf League.
Ivan Jovanovic's men stand on the threshold of making the cut for the Round of 16 of the Asian competition for the very first time after two failed attempts in 2012 and 2013. And the Bur Dubai club, the first and the oldest club in the UAE, could also finish third in the Arabian Gulf League, the country's top flight.
First up, Al Nasr could seal one of those goals on Wednesday night when they host Uzbekistan's Lokomotiv at the Al Maktoum Stadium. A win will ensure progression to the next round of the Asian stage with a game to spare. A draw would suffice too if the other Group A fixture between Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad and Iran's Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan too ends in a stalemate.
Al Nasr are currently a point behind group leaders Lokomotiv.
Although their domestic form has been a bit iffy, Al Nasr have been on a fine run in the AFC Champions League, unbeaten in three consecutive matches. And they come into the game on the back of a 5-2 victory over Bani Yas last Friday, which arrested a five-match winless streak.
And midfielder Luis Antonio Jimenez believes that win against Bani Yas, which saw them leap to third, has set them in motion.
"We arrive in a good mood for the Champions League," said Jimenez, who fired a brace in that game.
"I believe that we will win against Lokomotiv and qualify," added the Chilean, who joined Al Nasr from Al Ahli.
Al Nasr can take inspiration from their 3-2 win over Lokomotiv three years ago in Dubai, in the play-offs, their only match against Uzbek opposition.


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