Uzbekistan star Azizbek Haydarov’s inside information could give Al Shabab the edge in the AFC Champions League play-off at Bunyodkor, according to captain Carlos Villanueva.
The Hawks have travelled more than 2,000 kilometres to chilly capital Tashkent for the one-off clash, a place in Group B up for grabs.
Haydarov, 30, made the reverse journey five years when he was snapped up from today’s opponents and Villanueva revealed the defensive midfielder’s team-mates have been tapping his knowledge.
He said: “He’s (Haydarov) a very important player in the team, a leader as well. Everybody has asked him about Bunyodkor.
“He has helped us prepare for the game. This is another reason why the team is very well prepared for this game.
“A couple of years ago, they also had a very good tournament in the Champions League (reaching the semi-finals in 2012).
“It will be a very difficult game as we are playing on their pitch and with their fans, but we are very
motivated for the game.”
Shabab earned the tie through last term’s fantastic third-placed finish in the Arabian Gulf League.
This season has not gone as well, with the team currently seventh after Bani Yas inflicted a seventh loss in 17 matches on Thursday.
A boost to their hopes is provided by the fact the Swallows have not played a competitive match since November 19’s 5-0 thrashing of Kokand 1912, with the victory securing fourth spot in the 2015 Uzbekistan Professional Football League.
“This is the first official game for Bunyodkor and we are halfway through our season, so maybe this will be important,” said visiting boss Caio Junior. “But I respect Bunyodkor and I think the game will be balanced.
“The Champions League is more important (than the league) at the moment because we haven’t had a good season. But my team is competitive. We are ready physically and competitively.
“We had the same team last season and were third in the league and champions of the GCC Club Cup. I respect Bunyodkor, but I believe in our team.”
A fevered atmosphere is expected at the 34,000-capacity Bunyodkor Stadium, where the temperature could drop to 3°C at kick-off. Sports director Sergey Luschan called on the supporters to make it tough for Shabab.
He said: “We are waiting for a high quality football match which will end with a positive result. The fans are our 12th man – I encourage the fans to fill the stands.”
The victors of the contest will join a group containing Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, Iran’s Zob Ahan and Qatar’s Lekhwiya.