Al-Sadd’s Rodrigo Tabata stressed on the importance of his side’s next match against Al Arabi in the final of the 2019-20 Ooredoo Cup.

“As the coach said, it is an opportunity for the young players to play and to be with the team in a big event,” Tabata said during the pre-match press conference. “It is a final match for us and as players, we hope to win.” ... 

Al Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez confirmed his team’s readiness ahead of the upcoming game against Al Arabi in the final of the 2019-20 Ooredoo Cup.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Xavi said: “We are happy to play in the final, and I wasn’t expecting to play this game. We have a strong team, but we will only play with young players as we are missing 11 international players. Matches like these are opportunites for young players and I asked them to take advantage of this.” ... 

Al-Sadd lost 3-2 to Qatar SC in the Round 2 game of the 2020-21 Ooredoo Cup group stage, which was played at the Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The result means that Al-Sadd have no points so far, with their Round 1 game against Al-Duhail postponed.

Rami Suhail gave Al-Sadd the lead in the 26th minute, after receiving a pass from Rodrigo Tabata and finishing past Jassim Al-Hail in the Qatar SC goal. Two minutes later, the Wolves scored again; Saoud Al-Nasr met Yousuf Abdurisag’s cross with a first-time shot that went in to make it 2-0. ... 

The Al Sadd first team wrapped up their preparations for the upcoming game against Qatar SC, with a final training session on Monday evening at the club’s training facility. The second round game in Group A of the 2020-21 Ooredoo Cup will kick off at 8 pm on Tuesday, at the Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium. ... 

The Al Sadd first team resumed training on Friday evening, after four days of rest that followed the end of the 2020 AFC Champions League campaign.

The team is now preparing to play their first game of the 2020-21 Ooredoo Cup, against Qatar SC, on Tuesday, October 6. The group stage draw had placed Al-Sadd alongside Duhail, Al Sailiya, Al Khor, Al Wakrah and Qatar in Group A. ... 

Al-Sadd captain Hassan Al-Haydos spoke of his disappointment after the 1-0 loss to Persepolis, which saw the Wolves go out of the AFC Champions League.

Speaking after the game, Al-Haydos said: “All the players wished to reach the farthest stage in the Champions League. We had ambitions and a big dream, but unfortunately we did not succeed in this match against Persepolis.” ... 

Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez expressed his sadness after his side exited the 2020 AFC Champions League with a 1-0 defeat to Persepolis.

Speaking at the press conference following the match, Xavi said: “I feel very sad. This was a good chance to qualify.”

“I think the game was really equal. We had more possession, more shots and better opportunities, but as I told the players, in this competition you make just one mistake and you’re out.” ... 

Al-Sadd held their final training session and wrapped up preparations for the upcoming AFC Champions League Round of 16 clash against Persepolis, which will be played on Sunday evening at the Education City Stadium.

The Wolves qualified for the Round of 16 after finishing second in Group D with 9 points from two wins, three draws and one loss. Persepolis, on the other hand, topped Group C with 10 points. ...