Al Sadd's coach Xavi Hernandez (pictured) expressed his delight after his side took a victorious approach to the new QNB stars League season. The third-placed team of the previous season, former champions Al Sadd recorded a convincing 5-1 win over Al Kharaitiyat in their opening game of the 2020-21 League at the new Education City Stadium. Spanish star Santi Carzola spearheaded Al Sadd's dominant show with a brace for the Wolves.
New recruit, Cazorla scored in the 27th and 60th minutes while Baghdad Bounedjah (54) before Mohammed Salam scored an own goal in the 71st minute. The QFA Player of the Year, Akram Afif scored Al Sadd's fifth in the 84th minute. "It was an excellent start, and I am happy with the big scoreline today. After the coronavirus break, we trained well. We now have a lot of options, in terms of experience and youth, and they will help us in the best way in all the games,” Xavi said after the match.
“Cazorla has had a good start, scoring two goals. Guilherme also was excellent and all the players who appeared today, including the substitutes, had an impact in getting their win.”
“It’s been an excellent start to the league, and a great win that gives us more confidence. I hope we continue with this quality in the coming games,” the famous Spaniard said.
Al Sadd midfielder Tarek Salman said the opening win is a big motivation factor. The U-23 Player of the Year, Salman, who received his award prior to the opening match on Thursday, emphasised the importance of the dominant victory over newly promoted Al Kharaitiyat and praised the team’s performance.
“We conceded one goal in the match from an error, but we managed to win the first three points. This is an important victory which will motivate us in the upcoming games and we are happy to be the first team to play at the Education City Stadium,” the 22-year-old said.
“We are not thinking about the Champions League, as we have an important match against Al Sailiya in the league (before that) and are eager to win it,” he said. Asked about receiving the Best U-23 Player award, Tarek said: “I thank all my teammates for the award; all the players and the technical staff have had a great role in this.”
Al Sadd five-goal haul stands at the top of the table after the first round, and with a goal difference of 4, they now occupy the first spot in the QSL standings. Al Duhail, Al Gharafa and Al Ahli are the rest of the teams which recorded wins in the opening round of the League. The reigning champions, Al Duhail also recorded a dominant win in their opening match of the season.
Al Duhail began their title defence in emphatic fashion as they beat Umm Salal 3-0 on Friday. Luis Martin (fifth minute), Mohammed Muntari (36th minute) and substitute Ali Afif (90+3) scored for The Red Knights.
