Al Sadd's Akram Afif and Hassan Al Haydos (left) train ahead of the match against Al Hilal SFC.
Doha, Qatar: Captain Hassan Al-Haydos said Al Sadd are confident as they prepare to face Al Hilal SFC in the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah tonight.
Simone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal start as favourites in the one-legged knockout tie after finishing top of the league stage, including a 3-1 win over Al Sadd. The Saudi side has not lost to any Qatari club in their last seven matches, winning six.
Al Sadd, coached by Roberto Mancini, reached the knockout stage after finishing eighth, edging UAE side Sharjah FC on goal difference. They come into the tie on the back of a strong domestic run and could be crowned Qatar Stars League champions for a second straight season before kick-off if Al Shamal fail to beat Al Arabi in a postponed match in Doha.
Al-Haydos said the team remains focused despite the challenge.
“It’s a tough match against a great team. I hope we can perform well and achieve victory and advance to the next round,” he said.
“The team atmosphere is very positive, and everyone is ready and optimistic. We will put on a strong performance.”
Mancini underlined the importance of preparation for the single-leg tie.
“We are well prepared for this difficult match. It will be tougher as it’s just a one-off game and we have to be at our best,” he said.
Al Hilal, four-time Asian champions, are chasing a record-extending fifth title. Inzaghi urged full focus from his players.
“They have outstanding players, especially in attack, as well as a good coach,” he said.
“We will approach the match with full focus in order to qualify for the next stage.”
Al Hilal midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic said the squad is ready for the challenge.
“We will play the match with high concentration. Our goal is to fight for the team and make Al Hilal fans happy,” he said.
Al Duhail face Al Ahli Saudi FC test
Earlier at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium, Al Duhail face a stern challenge against defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC in their Round of 16 clash.
The Saudi side goes into the match as favourites after consistent performances in domestic and Asian competitions. They finished second in the league stage and remain in contention for the Saudi Pro League title.
Al Duhail, meanwhile, have endured a difficult domestic campaign and are currently in the bottom half of the Qatar Stars League. They reached the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League Elite with eight points from as many matches.
However, the Qatari side will draw confidence from their recent record against Al Ahli, with the last three meetings ending in draws.
Coach Djamel Belmadi said he has full trust in his squad.
“We know what awaits us and what is required in tomorrow’s match. We must give our best to win and reach the quarter-finals,” he said.
“Al Ahli being the title holders gives them an advantage, but I have complete confidence in Al Duhail’s players and our work.”
Defender Lucas Silva said the team is fully prepared.
“We understand the importance of the match. Our preparations have been very good and we are fully focused. We have good information about the opponent and we aim to perform as required to secure qualification,” he said.
Al Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle said his side respects the challenge.
“We are well prepared to face Al Duhail. We are focused on progressing step by step to deliver our best,” he said.
Al Ahli midfielder Ziyad Aljohani said the ambition remains high.
“Al Duhail is a strong team, but step by step we will reach the final and win the title, InshaAllah,” he said.
