体坛英语新闻：Iran's Persepolis drawn in toughest group of AFC Champions League

TEHRAN, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Coach for Iranian football side Persepolis, Branko Ivankovic, confirmed that the team had been drawn in Group D, the toughest grouping in the AFC Champions League, local media reported on Sunday.

The Iranian heavyweights will open their campaign against two-time continental champions, Al Hilal, on Tuesday.

"We're in the toughest group of the tournament. Al Hilal is our strongest opponent, Al Rayyan is the Qatar Champion while Al Wahda as well as Al Ain are the best UAE team. We need to be at our best in order to have the chance of qualifying," Ivankovic told reporters.

"Al Hilal are the Saudi league title holders and they have a very good squad. Even the bench players are the ones who plays for Saudi Arabia national team," the Croatian coach said.

"We will make every effort to get the best result in the Asian competition and make our fans happy," he added.

In the other Group D match on Tuesday, Qatar Stars League champions Al Rayyan, under the guidance of Michael Laudrup, will host Al Wahda of the United Arab Emirates.