DOHA (Qatar): Al Sadd hope to end their AFC Champions League group stage at the summit of Group C when they take on already eliminated Sepahan FC on Thursday.
“We have to win, we want to finish the group stage well and win this group,” said Xavi. “We are up against a very good team, who are well organised and know how to defend and attack. We are in a tough group and all three opponents are very strong.”
Baghdad Bounedjah’s 87th minute equaliser against Al Nassr on Monday ensured Al Sadd remain one of three sides yet to lose a match in the West Asia groups of the competition, and should they get the three points against Sepahan while Al Nassr fail to beat Al Ain, they would leapfrog them to top spot in the group and head coach Xavi is unfazed by the challenge.
“Last season we played against Al Duhail in the Round of 16 and we won, but let’s see what happens. Whether it is Al Duhail, Sharjah, Al Taawoun or Persepolis, All the teams are tough. We are playing against the best in the competition in the Round of 16, so let’s win this one and see,” added the Spaniard.
The last time the two sides met, Al Sadd brushed their opponents 3-0 on Matchday Two at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, with Hassan Al Haydos scoring a six-minute brace after Akram Afif had opened the scoring. (Source: AFC)
