Doha [Qatar], February 17: Al Sadd have to rise to the occasion when they play Al Ittihad Club in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday.
Qatar's Al Sadd have to win if they are to progress but will have to be wary of a high-flying Al Ittihad.
Champions in 2011, Al Sadd kept their Round of 16 hopes alive with a 2-0 defeat of previously unbeaten Tractor FC on Matchday Seven.
The win took them to eighth in the standings - the final qualifying spot - but they are level with fellow Qatari side Al Duhail SC and Sharjah FC of the United Arab Emirates.
Speaking on eve of the tie, Al Sadd's Italian coach Roberto Mancini said: "We are facing Al Ittihad in another very difficult match, and it is important for us to achieve victory and nothing else. We are waiting for our opportunity. Our journey hasn't been as good from the beginning in this tournament, but we have an important opportunity and we must seize this opportunity."
He added: "The players are professionals and know what is required in these big matches. Of course, we need to win and the players know that, and they take the circumstances of the match into account.
Al Ittihad are putting on great performances and is in a good position in the standings, and this makes the match against a great team even more difficult, but we are capable of achieving victory."
For his part, player Boualem Khoukhi said, "We, as players, are ready to achieve the goal of three points. We are one group with one spirit, and the coach has the freedom to choose. The whole group is ready after the recent rotation in the Amir Cup.
"We know it will be a difficult match, and we call on our fans to continue supporting the team.
The Al Ittihad match is the most important match for us in the AFC Champions League this season, and our fans, God willing, will be present and support us."
Al Ittihad roared last week, defeating Al Gharafa SC 7-0 as they finally showed the form that took them to the Saudi Pro League title last season.
The win meant qualification was sealed but Al Ittihad will not rest on their laurels as victory could see them finishing higher than the current fifth position they are in.
Source: Qatar Tribune
