TEHRAN – Iran’s Persepolis will be looking for a response next week against Kashima Antlers of Japan after they were beaten 2-0 on Saturday in the first leg of the AFC Champions League final.

The Iranian team will have a difficult task ahead in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Nov. 10 as their key midfielder Siamak Nemati will be absence in the second leg after being sent in the injury time.

Ali Alipour could have scored in the fourth minute at the Kashima Stadium but Jung Seung-hyun threw himself into the path of the shot and blocked it with his head.

Two minutes later, Ahmad Noorollahi’s free-kick from the left was tipped over by Kwoun Sun-tae as Persepolis applied early pressure.

Brazilian duo Leo Silva and Serginho got the decisive goals in the 58th and 70th minutes respectively.

“We lost the first leg but we are looking forward to the second leg in Tehran. We can beat Kashima Antlers at the Azadi Stadium and I am sure our fans will give us a great support,” Persepolis captain Jalal Hosseini said.