Category: FOOTBALL

AFC Champions League: Al-Sadd defeat Al-Ain 4-0 on Matchday 4

Al-Sadd got back to winning ways in the AFC Champions League with a convincing 4-0 triumph over Al-Ain, in their Matchday 4 clash in Group D, which was held at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Friday evening.

The result sent the Wolves to the top of the group table temporarily with 8 points, awaiting the result of the other game between Al-Nassr and Sepahan. Al-Sadd’s goals came from Baghdad Bounedjah (26′, 70′), Akram Afif (56′) and Rodrigo Tabata (86′). ... 

AFC Champions League: Al-Sadd conclude preparations ahead of Al-Ain clash on Matchday 4

Al-Sadd wrapped up their preparations for the 2020 AFC Champions League Matchday 4 clash against Al-Ain, with a final training session on Thursday.

The Wolves go into the match sitting in second place in Group D with 5 points from two draws against Al-Nassr and Al-Ain, and a win over Sepahan. Meanwhile, Al Ain are ranked fourth and last in the group with one point after the last draw with Al-Sadd, and the two defeats to Sepahan and Al Nasr. ... 

Guillerme: Victory will take us closer to qualification, we have to do our best to get it

Al-Sadd midfielder Guillerme Torres emphasised on his side’s desire to get all three points in the upcoming game against Al-Ain on Matchday 4 of the 2020 AFC Champions League group stage.

Guillerme said in his statements during the press conference: “As the coach said, the match will be difficult against a tough team. We know the AFC Champions League is a different tournament. We played a good game last time, but unfortunately we could not win.” ... 

Xavi: We must improve defensively to be successful in attack

Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez spoke of his team’s desire to win the next game against Al-Ain, on Matchday 4 of the AFC Champions League group stage.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Xavi said: “We need three points to go to the next stage. We are in a crucial phase now. We played well in the last game but we need to finish off the chances in front of goal, and not make mistakes that lead to conceding goals.” ... 

Xavi: We deserved better against Al-Ain, we must improve ourselves

Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez stated that the team deserved better than the 3-3 draw against Al Ain, on Matchday 3 of the 2020 AFC Champions League.

In his statement after the match, Xavi said: “We deserved better against Al Ain, we created many opportunities in the first half but we were not good enough. In the second half, the team was excellent and we gave the best, but luck did not favour us in front of the goal.” ... 

AFC Champions League: Al-Sadd draw 3-3 with Al-Ain

Al-Sadd resumed their AFC Champions League 2020 campaign with a 3-3 draw against Al-Ain, in their Group D clash on Matchday 3 of the competition, which was played at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday.

Kodjo Laba gave Al-Ain the lead (5’) before Akram Afif equalised for Al-Sadd (35’). A few minutes later, Bauryzhan Islamkhan put Al-Ain in front once again (38’) and they went into halftime with the lead. Al-Sadd levelled the score through Santi Cazorla in the second half (55’), with Baghdad Bounedjah then adding a third goal (60’) to put Al-Sadd ahead for the first time. However, a Khoukhi Boualem own goal (67’) meant that the two teams would share the spoils. ... 

Xavi: We are excited for the start of the tournament, the new format is different and difficult

Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez expressed his confidence in his team, ahead of the upcoming Group D clash against Al-Ain on Matchday 3 of the AFC Champions League 2020.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Xavi said: “We are very excited to start. Al Sadd is at the top of the group. We have a lot of youngsters and experienced players as well. We are training well and we will forward to a strong start, in a competition that will be difficult for everyone.” ...