"We know how good Al Rayyan are but we want to defeat them, that's why we are here. Al Rayyan have several good players but as I've already said, we are going to defeat them," Schafer said in the pre-match news conference.

"Our players are highly motivated to participate in AFC Champions League. I am also happy to take part in the competition because it's a very special competition," the German coach added.

Esteghlal is the third most successful club in AFC Champions League, with two titles and two runner-up positions in the club's history.

The Blues have been scheduled to meet the Qatari giants in Doha's Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday.