Al Sadd, Al Rayyan eye last-16 in AFC Champions League
DOHA, April 2, 2018-Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira has expressed confidence in his players as they seek to qualify for the last 16 of the Asian Champions League with a victory against the UAE's Al Wasl today. The match will be played at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium at 7pm.
The Wolves stormed to a 4-0 win over Nasaf three weeks ago to maintain their position at the top of the standings with Spanish midfielder Xavi getting his maiden goal in the continental competition and top scorer Baghdad Bounedjah adding his fifth of the campaign.
The 2011 champions won 2-1 away at Al Wasl on the opening day of the tournament before the Emirati side went on to lose their three ensuing games and, in doing so, become the first side to exit the 2018 AFC Champions League.
Al Wasl go into the match on the back of another defeat, to domestic rivals Al Wahda in the UAE League Cup, while they will also be without the suspended Abdalla al-Naqbi.
After missing out on the previous two tournaments, Al Sadd are looking to return to the knockout round for the first time since 2015 although, despite their strong position in the table, they have lost four of their last five games in all competitions.
Ferreira said he had the players to deliver what is expected of them.
“I have total confidence in my players. They like the big occasion and they know they are capable of beating any team on their day," Ferreira said.
“True they have had a hectic season with the QNB Stars League and the Champions League running concurrently but we need to manage the schedule. This cannot be used as an excuse not to win the game."
Winger Hamid Ismail also declared that Al Sadd are ready to win.
“We are keenly looking forward to qualify for the next round of the tournament. All our top players are fit and ready after returning from the International Friendship Championship.
“We are motivated and determined to make our best efforts. As far as our ambition goes, it is limitless," he added.
Al Rayyan are the second Qatari team in action today. They play Iran's Estheglal at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran with the winners certain to secure their last 16 spot from Group D.
Esteghlal played out a 1-1 draw with Al Ain on their last appearance in Tehran on Matchday Four when 90,000 spectators turned out to see the Iranian giants maintain their unbeaten run and remain on top of the standings.
Al Rayyan talisman Rodrigo Tabata scored the decisive goal as the Qatari team defeated Al Hilal 2-1 to claim their first victory of what is also an undefeated campaign and move level on six points with today's opponents.
With the sides playing out a 2-2 draw in the opening game of the group stage, three points for either ensures a better head-to-head record and would relieve any pressure going into the final round of fixtures.
Esteghlal, who have never lost at home to a Qatari side on the continent, warmed up for the game with a 2-1 league win over Naft Tehran on Thursday while Al Rayyan, who have had a two-week break, welcome Sebastian Soria back into the fold after the striker served a one-match ban.
Al Rayyan's Danish coach Michael Laudrup said both teams are capable of making the knockouts.
“This game is very important for us, and we hope that we qualify this time. Last year we were very close to qualifying but made errors at crucial times to bow out," said Laudrup whose team have six points from four games, having drawn three of them.
On Tuesday, Al Gharafa will host Al Jazira of United Arab Emirates while Al Duhail will shake hands with Zob Ahan of Iran.
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