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. ... 

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.” ... 

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.” ... 

Al-Sadd defender Ahmed Suhail remarked that the defeat to Iran’s Sepahan in their final AFC Champions League group game was a beneficial experience for the young players.

Speaking after the match, Ahmed said: “The match was an opportunity for us to benefit from, as we were facing a strong team like Sepahan. We were close to getting a draw, but we were not successful.” ... 

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.” ... 

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. ...