Doha, April 3, 2018- Al Sadd defeated Al Wasl 2-1 in a Group C match of the AFC Champions League to advance into the knockout stage here on Monday.
Baghdad Bounedjah, who has more shots on target than any player this season in the tournament, opened the scoring in the ninth minute.
The Algerian added the second in the 53rd to put the contest beyond their opponents, who pulled one back in the second half added time through Caio.
The win meant that the 2011-12 champions also remained undefeated in their last eight games against UAE teams in the continental competition, and also have not lost a home game against any Emirati side in the competition.
In stark contrast to their performances in the Qatar Stars League, where they lost in their last three games, Sadd returned with another solid performance.
But it was Wasl, who have lost five matches in a row, started on a confident note after Ali Saleh's right-footed effort from outside the box missed the target and then a minute later Ronaldo Mendes shot wide after he was put through by Fabio Lima.
After Bounedjah scored the opening goal, Sadd outpaced their opponents who, however, made a last ditch effort in the end to equalise.
The hosts could have increased the lead in the 29th, but Xavi Hernandez goal was ruled out by the assistant referee after Bounedjah was found to be in offside position.
On the other hand, Al Rayyan suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Esteghlal of Iran on Monday.