Al Sadd players during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd and Al Wasl will face off for the fourth time this season, with tonight’s clash carrying the most significance as it offers a spot in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite quarter-finals.
Their previous three meetings have been tight affairs. The teams played to 1-1 draws in both a League match last November and the first leg of their Round of 16 tie in Dubai last week.
However, Al Wasl triumphed in their Qatar-UAE Super Shield showdown, winning 1-0 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in January.
Now, the same venue will host their decisive match, with the winner advancing to the next stage of Asia’s premier club competition.
Al Sadd will be looking to bounce back after last week’s draw, and head coach Felix Sanchez is bracing for another tough battle against the UAE side.
“This is our fourth match against Al Wasl this season, and all of them have been tough. They are a quality team, but we are ready. Our goal is clear – to reach the next round,” Sanchez said in his pre-match press conference.
Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez speaks during a press conference.
“This is a mission we must complete. We know the match will be competitive, but we are prepared for whatever comes our way. We were close to winning the first leg and we played strongly. Now we have to finish the job,” Sanchez added.
He also urged Al Sadd fans to turn out in full support.
“We are counting on our fans. Their presence in crucial matches like this is vital. We’ll be playing at home, and I hope the stadium will be packed, filled with energy. We need them to help us in what promises to be a tough contest. The only option for us is to win if we are to qualify.”
Al Sadd, who lifted the title in 2011, are aiming for their sixth quarter-final appearance in the competition’s history. Their recent form has been strong, highlighted by a dominant 5-0 win over Al Shahania in the Qatar Stars League on Friday.
Defender Pedro Miguel is keen to carry that momentum into this pivotal match.
Al Sadd's Qatar international Boualem Khoukhi in action during a training session ahead of the second leg against Al Wasl.
“As players, we are fully focused on the task ahead. We need our fans to show up in force to help us in this decisive encounter. Al Sadd’s true fanbase always rises to the occasion in such important matches. Our goal is to win and we are doing everything we can to make that happen,” Miguel said.
Meanwhile, Al Wasl’s head coach Milos Milojevic is determined to see his side replicate their earlier success at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, where they lifted the Qatar-UAE Super Shield.
“The chances are even for both teams. We were the better side in the first leg, and we’ve already beaten Al Sadd at this stadium. However, tomorrow’s match will be completely different. We’re fully focused, and our players know what’s at stake. We’ll do everything possible to qualify for the next round,” Milojevic stated.
Al Wasl’s Fabio Lima also acknowledged the challenges of facing Al Sadd, particularly in front of their passionate home fans.
“We expect a tough match. Both teams know each other well, and we are confident following the first-leg result. We know how difficult this stadium can be, especially with Al Sadd’s fans pushing them. But we are prepared and determined to qualify for the next round,” Lima said.
The match will kick off at 9pm.
