Category: FOOTBALL

Xavi: We are very disappointed, for the club and the fans

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’s Asian campaign ends after 1-0 defeat to Persepolis

Al-Sadd exited the 2020 AFC Champions League after losing 1-0 to Persepolis in the Round of 16 clash which was held at the Education City Stadium on Sunday.

Issa Alkasir scored the lone goal of the game in the 88th minute.

The game got off to a calm start with no real chances until the 13th minute, when Santi Cazorla’s powerful left-footed shot was kept out by the Persepolis keeper Hamed Lak. ... 

AFC Champions League: Al-Sadd conclude preparations ahead of Persepolis clash

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. ... 

Musaab Khidir: It’ll be a tough game against Persepolis, we must give our 200% to win

Al-Sadd full-back Musaab Khidir stressed on the importance of being at their best ahead of his side’s upcoming clash with Persepolis in the Round of 16 of the 2020 AFC Champions League.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Musaab said: “It will be a difficult match for us against Persepolis. We are happy to reach this stage but the next match requires great focus and also we must minimise our mistakes, in order to reach the quarter-finals.” ... 

Xavi: Al-Sadd is fully prepared to face Persepolis

Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez spoke of the readiness of his side ahead of the upcoming clash with Persepolis in the Round of 16 of the 2020 AFC Champions League.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Xavi said: “We are very excited, we want to win and reach the quarter-finals. We will play against Persepolis, which is the best Iranian team, and it will be a difficult game, like a final, for us.” ... 

Xavi: We lost to Sepahan because of our mistakes

Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez praised the young players who appeared in the team’s final AFC Champions League group game against Sepahan, that ended in a 2-1 win for the Iranian side.

Addressing the media at the post-match press conference, Xavi said: “I am proud of the players despite the loss; we played with many young players.” ... 

AFC Champions League: Al-Sadd lose 1-2 to Sepahan

Al-Sadd fell to a 1-2 defeat to Sepahan in their final group game of the 2020 AFC Champions League, which was played on Wednesday at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

Reza Mirzaei’s 14th minute goal gave Sepahan a 1-0 lead at halftime, and they went on to double their advantage in the 53rd minute through Sajad Shabazzadeh. Hashim Ali pulled a goal back for Al-Sadd in the 82nd minute. ... 

AFC Champions League: Al-Sadd conclude preparations for final group game against Sepahan

Al-Sadd wrapped up preparations for the upcoming AFC Champions League Matchday 6 clash with Sepahan, with a final training session on Wednesday evening. The final Group D game will kick off at 6 PM tomorrow at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

The Wolves go into the game sitting in second place in the group with 9 points from 2 wins and 3 draws, while Sepahan are in third with 4 points. The first game between the two sides ended in a 3-0 win for Al-Sadd. ... 

Mohammed Waad: Our group was the toughest in the competition, I thank Xavi for his confidence in me

Al-Sadd’s Mohamed Waad stated that his team aiming to finish first in Group D of the 2020 AFC Champions League, adding that it was the toughest in the competition.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the final group game with Sepahan, Mohammed said: “Our group was the most difficult in the competition. We hope to finish in first place in the group.” ...