DOHA (Qatar): Al Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez on Thursday said he was happy with his team’s 5-1 win over Al-Kharaitiyat in the opening game of 2020-21 Qatar Stars League.
Santi Cazorla led Al Sadd’s charge with two goals (27th and 60th minutes) and one assist.
Baghdad Bounedjah (54th minute) and Akram Afif (84th minute) were the other scorers for The Wolves, who were also helped by an own goal by Al Kharaitiyat’s Mohammed Salam in the 71st minute.
Rachid Tiberkanine pulled one back for Kharaitiyat in the 64th 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,” said Xavi.
“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.”
Al Sadd, who had finished third in the recently-concluded 2019-20 season, dominated the proceedings and their players Nam-Tae-Hee, Hassan Al Haydous and Brazilian Guilermo Torres.
Kharaitiyat are back in the top flight after a gap of one season.
“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,” said Xavi.
