Tag: English

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.” ... 

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.” ... 

AFC Champions League: Al-Sadd hold main training session ahead of Al-Ain clash on Matchday 3

The Al-Sadd first team squad held their main training session from 6:30 PM onwards on Sunday, as part of the preparations for the upcoming Group D clash against Al-Ain, on Matchday 3 of the 2020 AFC Champions League.

The Wolves go into Tuesday’s game occupying first place in the group with 4 points from two matches, after a draw with Saudi side Al-Nassr and a 3-0 win over Sepahan of Iran. Meanwhile, UAE’s Al-Ain have not got a point so far in Group C after losing their opening two games to Sepahan and Al-Nassr. A win for Al-Sadd in this game will take the team closer to the next round. ... 

Abdullah Al-Breik: Al-Ain game will be tough, our aim is to go as far as possible in this tournament

Al-Sadd first team manager Abdullah Al-Breik remarked that his side’s upcoming clash against Al Ain in the Group D of the 2020 AFC Champions League will not be easy, adding that the Wolves must double their effort and focus, if they are to achieve the desired results.

Al-Breik said: “For us, this match is very important, and the players realize this, especially as it could be crucial in determining our place in the second round, and therefore we should fight from the beginning to the end of the match.” ... 

Ooredoo Cup final to be played on October 10

The Qatar Stars League (QSL) has announced the date of the 2019-20 Ooredoo Cup final between Al-Sadd and Al-Arabi. The match is set to be played on October 10 at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

The decision was taken with the consent of both teams, and after consulting the coaches, while considering Al-Sadd’s participation in the AFC Champions League. ... 

Al-Sadd announce AFC Champions League squad

Al-Sadd have announced the squad list for the 2020 AFC Champions League, which resumes with the remaining group stage matches, and then goes on until the semi-finals of the tournament, with all games being held in Doha. The matches begin on September 14.

Head coach Xavi Hernandez announced a 31-member squad which is as follows: Saad Al-Dossari, Pedro Miguel, Abdelkarim Hassan, Ahmed Bader Sayyar, Tarek Salman, Muhammad Waad, Ali Asad, Hassan Al-Haydos, Baghdad Bounedjah, Bahaa El-Leithy, Khoukhi Boualem, Rodrigo Tabata, Santi Cazorla, Nam Tae-hee Salem Al-Hajri, Meshaal Barshim, Hashim Ali, Jehad Muhammad, Ahmed Suhail, Akram Afif, Talal Ibrahim, Abdullah Ismail, Talal Behzad, Youssef Abdullah Al-Balushi, Faisal Azadi, Saoud Al-Nasr, Hussam Kamal, Musaab Khidir, Hassan Ahmed, Yousuf Abdurisag, Guilherme Torres. ...