Al Sadd coach Javi Gracia
Doha: After snatching a draw in their opening match, Al Sadd are seeking their first victory in the new season of the AFC Champions League as they meet Saudi Arabia’s Al Faisaly at the Prince Mohamed Bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, today.
Coach Javi Gracia has termed Al Sadd’s second Group E match crucial, saying the team must collect full points to brighten their chances of advancing in the event.
The Wolves sealed a point in their opening match after a 1-1 draw against Nasaf on Friday despite being reduced to nine men following red cards to left-back Abdelkarim Hassan (27th minute) and right-back Pedro Miguel (63rd minute).
“Winning will be a requirement for us after the draw in the first round, during which the team lost two players to red cards,” Gracia said ahead of the today’s game.
“We need to double our efforts to win. Our goal is to work hard and as one group in order to get the three points against a good team that plays at home and in front of its fans,” he added.
Al Faisaly also started their campaign with a point, after playing out a 1-1 draw against Al Wehdat on their debut.
“I know Al Faisaly and I watched their first match against Al Wehdat, and it is a strong team. We have excellent players who can play in this atmosphere, in front of the fans, and we will work to give our best to win,” said Gracia before adding that the continental event needs VAR technology.
“I am happy with my first participation with Al Sadd in the Champions League. This tournament needs VAR, it is a strong tournament that brings together many excellent teams and deserves the VAR technology to achieve justice for all participating teams.”
Meanwhile, Al Sadd midfielder Santi Cazorla described Al Faisaly as “difficult”, hoping to go far in the AFC Champions League after two unsuccessful attempts.
“A difficult match awaits us against Al Faisaly. We played against Nasaf with nine players and came out with a point, and we will work to do our best in the second round to win,” said Cazorla.
“We are ready for the next match, and our goal is to win and get the three points. I participated twice with Al Sadd in the Champions League and we did not achieve the required results, but we are fully prepared this time and we will strive to qualify,” he added.
Meanwhile, Al Faisaly coach Marinos Ouzounidis said Al Sadd will be tough opponents.
“For us it will be a difficult game against a team with a lot of experience in the competition,” said Ouzounidis.
“In the last game we played very well, especially in the first half. If we want to get a result here, we need to play better for longer periods.
"After the results of the first matchday, all teams have the same points so it will be very important to win this game. I trust the quality that we have in the team,” Ouzounidis said.
