Al Sadd players and officials pose for a photograph at the Zabeel Stadium in Dubai.
Doha, Qatar: Title contenders Al Sadd are determined to seize an early advantage over a tricky Al Wasl side as they look to secure a crucial victory in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 clash at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai today.
The Wolves, under the guidance of coach Felix Sanchez, are in exceptional domestic form, having recently overcome title rivals Al Duhail and Al Gharafa in the Qatar Stars League.
While Al Sadd finished one point ahead of Al Wasl in the initial West League phase, they face a tough test against the UAE side, who handed them a 1-0 defeat in the Qatar-UAE Super Shield showdown in Doha in January. The two teams also played out a 1-1 draw during their league encounter last November.
Sanchez is fully aware of the tough challenge posed by their UAE opponents but remains confident heading into the match.
Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez during a pre-match press conference yesterday.
“We are thrilled to be here again and are fully focused on delivering a strong performance to achieve a positive result,” the Spaniard said at a pre-match press conference last night.
“We’ve faced Al Wasl twice this season, and both games have been challenging, so we know what to expect. Playing a two-leg Round of 16 will be tough, but we’re prepared for the task ahead.”
“We’ve recently come through difficult matches in the QSL and managed to secure victories, but this match with Al Wasl will be different, especially with the added complexity of two legs. I have great confidence in our players to deliver their best performances. Our ambition is high and we believe in our ability to reach our goals in this tournament.”
When asked whether Al Sadd had gained an advantage by avoiding tough Saudi clubs in the knockout stages, Sanchez responded, “The Saudi teams have shown great strength in the tournament, but ultimately, our focus is on Al Wasl, a strong team. Our match against them will undoubtedly be very difficult.”
Al Sadd player Mostafa Tarek Meshaal during a pre-match press conference yesterday.
Al Sadd will look to their in-form attacking duo, Akram Afif and Rafa Mujica, to lead the charge.
Mujica was in scintillating form during their 4-0 thrashing of Al Gharafa last week, netting a hat-trick, while Afif continued his superb form with a goal, taking his tally to four goals from seven appearances.
Mostafa Tarek Meshaal echoed Sanchez’s sentiments, saying, “The Round of 16 marks a fresh chapter in the AFC Champions League Elite, and we are fully prepared for it. The match against Al Wasl will be tough and intense, and our goal is to secure the most important result in tomorrow’s match before heading back to Doha for the return leg.”
The match kicks off at 9pm Doha time, with Al Sadd set to host the second leg at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on March 10.
In other AFC Champions League Elite (West) action, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will face Esteghlal FC in their first-leg Round of 16 clash in Tehran today, while Al Rayyan will host Al Ahli Saudi FC in their Round of 16 tie at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium tomorrow with Pakhtakor hosting Al Hilal in Tashkent the same day.
