Al Sadd are hoping to finish their AFC Champions League (ACL) 2022 campaign on a high note as they face Al Faisaly in their final Group E clash at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, today.
The match has little to no impact on Al Sadd’s season, as they exit the AFC Champions League group stage for the second year running, and head coach Javi Gracia was adamant his side need to remain focused and show respect to avoid a careless display.
“It’s a difficult situation for us; the game is hard to play without any chance to qualify,” said Gracia.
“It’s our last game of the season. We are going to respect ourselves, try to perform well and to respect the competition because the rest of the teams are playing to qualify and we have to do our best. The main thing is we have to respect ourselves in this game.”
However, it is now or never for Al Faisaly when they face Al Sadd with a place in the Round of 16 on their continental debut beckoning.
The Saudi Arabian side have enjoyed a dream debut campaign so far, going into the final matchday unbeaten and at the top of a group that contains two-time champions Al Sadd and perennial participants Nasaf as well as Jordanian powerhouse Al Wehdat.
With nine points collected so far, it all comes down to the final 90 minutes against already-eliminated Al Sadd, with a win sure to secure their place in the next round, while a draw or even defeat could see them progress depending on results elsewhere.
“It’s the last game tomorrow after a very tough period for all teams. With the results we’ve got until now, we need to make one last effort to take our chances,” said head coach Marinos Ouzounidis.
