Al Shamal players during a training session ahead of their debut match at the AFC Champions League.
Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd will look to carry their flying Qatar Stars League form into the AFC Champions League Elite when they begin their Asian campaign against Iran’s Esteghlal FC at Basra International Stadium today.
The QSL champions have won all four of their matches this season as they defend their title in the top flight and will be aiming to extend that impressive run on the continental stage.
The kick-off is at 9:15pm Qatar time.
Al Sadd, who lifted the Asian title in 2011, reached the quarter-finals of the Elite last season after stunning Saudi giants Al Hilal in the last 16 before suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Japan’s Vissel Kobe.
The Qatar champions will enter the clash with confidence, having won twice and drawn three times in their last five meetings with Esteghlal.
“The match against Esteghlal will be difficult for both teams. We must stay focused from the start to achieve a positive result,”
Al Sadd coach Razvan Lucescu said yesterday.
Pedro Miguel added: “We will give our best to secure a victory and come away with three points, so that we can make a strong start to this year’s tournament.”
The Iranian side are returning to the competition after featuring in the 2024-25 edition, when they failed to score in six of their 10 matches. They will be looking for a stronger campaign this time and a winning start against the Wolves.
Al Shamal ‘excited’ ahead of first match
Al Shamal, meanwhile, will make their debut in the AFC Champions League Elite when they take on two-time champions Al Ittihad at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor with kick-off set for 7pm.
Al Shamal earned their place in the Elite after finishing runners-up in the QSL last season. They have also made a solid start to the new campaign, recording two wins and two draws in their opening four matches.
They face a major test against an Al Ittihad side determined to challenge for the continental crown after missing out last season. The Saudi club have won their last two matches against Qatari opposition, although this will be their first meeting with Al Shamal.
Spanish coach David Prats said his side were proud to be making their debut in Asia but were aware of the challenge posed by Al Ittihad.
“We are excited about our first-ever participation in the AFC Champions League Elite, and we feel immense pride in being part of the most prestigious club competition in Asia,” Prats said.
“We will be facing one of the best teams in Asia, boasting exceptional players with tremendous potential and extensive experience. However, we will approach the match with the aim of achieving the best possible result and delivering a strong performance worthy of Al Shamal’s name.”
Prats said his players would look to turn the pressure of their first Asian campaign into motivation.
“Our goal is to compete, try to win, enjoy showing the team’s strength and play with the maximum strength possible to prove our capabilities,” he said.
Al Gharafa will be Qatar’s third representative in the Elite, facing Al Hilal in Riyadh tomorrow. The Cheetahs qualified after winning the Amir Cup.
