Abramov: Lokomotiv must beat Al Hilal

The penultimate Group C fixture takes on huge significance for coach Vadim Abramov's side because defeat could eliminate the Tashkent outfit from the continental competition with a game to spare.

Al Sadd top Group C with seven points ahead of Al Hilal on goal difference followed by Lokomotiv on four points and then Foolad Khouzestan on three points.

A draw with Giorgos Donis' Al Hilal side might not be enough for Lokomotiv should Al Sadd secure victory over Foolad in Doha.

"This is our most important match and we need to win to keep alive our hopes of qualifying for the next stage," said Abramov.

"The players have to show their best football against a very strong opponent that is one of the leaders in our group now; I think Al Hilal's game style is similar to that of Real Madrid.

"But we are progressing from game to game and the team has great motivation and trust in one another, so we will give battle and play for our team's pride."

Al Hilal coach Donis is looking for a win in Tashkent, with the three points ensuring a place in the last 16 for a seventh consecutive season for the two-time Asian champions.

"Al Hilal played in the final in the last season, and we will try to repeat that," said Donis.

"Every match in the AFC Champions League is important, although Lokomotiv did not have good form two months ago, now they are stronger.

"We know they have good preparation against us and, as we have played six games in 19 days, our team is quite mentally and physically tired," he added.