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Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Sadd continued thier dominance over rival Al Rayyan with a 2-0 victory to clinch a spot in the final of the 2019 Amir Cup. Goals from Ali Asad and Baghdad Bounedjah kept the Wolves on track for a domestic double in what was Xavi Hernandez’s last match at the Al Sadd Stadium on Saturday.
“Throughout my time working with Xavi, he was always at a high level. I want to salute Xavi, because he focused on the young players. He did not give importance to his status or fame; he just wanted to work for the team,” Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira said.
The Barcelona and Spain legend joined Al Sadd in 2015 and has won four trophies with the club, but his impact has been felt both more an doff the field. The 39-year-old has also been highly touted to take over as Al Sadd coach after his retirement and with the imminent departure of Ferreira, that looks more likely in the coming weeks.
“Xavi will be in the most suitable position in his sporting career. He knows Qatar well and he knows Al Sadd and the players here. He will be fortunate that he will be in a country with good infrastructure that is unmatched in the world. I wish him and Al Sadd all the best and I am sure that success will continue to follow Al-Sadd, because of the way Xavi deals with Al Sadd, the fans and Qatari sport in general,” Ferreira said of Xavi.
Al Sadd were always favourites heading into the match, having won their most recent matches in the league against Al Rayyan who were mainly let down again by poor finishing in the final third.
Al Sadd opened scoring in the first half through Asad who was on hand to slot in Akram Afif’s cross.
Al Sadd then got a penalty when Bounedjah was fouled by Dame Traore. However, Fahd saved the shot taken by the Algerian striker himself, who was the QNB Stars League’s top scorer with 39 goals.
Bounedjah then got the security goal in the 84th minute after taking on the Al Rayyan defence before firing past the hapless Fahd in goal.
“Al Sadd dominated throughout the 90 minutes. We were keen to avoid mistakes and conceding goals. We could have scored more but we played with defensive caution. We also missed a penalty and were not lucky in front of goal.
“We are really happy that we have achieved this victory, just days after defeating Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League. So I want to congratulate the players and also the fans who supported us. I would have been delighted to reach the final, even if the result was 1-0. I am happy that we will play the final at the Al Wakrah Stadium, which will attract the attention of the world. Our players will never forget those historic moments. The fans need to be with us on that occasion. Today you saw the intense desire of the players to reach the final and get the title,” Ferreira said of the match.
Doha
Al Sadd continued thier dominance over rival Al Rayyan with a 2-0 victory to clinch a spot in the final of the 2019 Amir Cup. Goals from Ali Asad and Baghdad Bounedjah kept the Wolves on track for a domestic double in what was Xavi Hernandez’s last match at the Al Sadd Stadium on Saturday.
“Throughout my time working with Xavi, he was always at a high level. I want to salute Xavi, because he focused on the young players. He did not give importance to his status or fame; he just wanted to work for the team,” Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira said.
The Barcelona and Spain legend joined Al Sadd in 2015 and has won four trophies with the club, but his impact has been felt both more an doff the field. The 39-year-old has also been highly touted to take over as Al Sadd coach after his retirement and with the imminent departure of Ferreira, that looks more likely in the coming weeks.
“Xavi will be in the most suitable position in his sporting career. He knows Qatar well and he knows Al Sadd and the players here. He will be fortunate that he will be in a country with good infrastructure that is unmatched in the world. I wish him and Al Sadd all the best and I am sure that success will continue to follow Al-Sadd, because of the way Xavi deals with Al Sadd, the fans and Qatari sport in general,” Ferreira said of Xavi.
Al Sadd were always favourites heading into the match, having won their most recent matches in the league against Al Rayyan who were mainly let down again by poor finishing in the final third.
Al Sadd opened scoring in the first half through Asad who was on hand to slot in Akram Afif’s cross.
Al Sadd then got a penalty when Bounedjah was fouled by Dame Traore. However, Fahd saved the shot taken by the Algerian striker himself, who was the QNB Stars League’s top scorer with 39 goals.
Bounedjah then got the security goal in the 84th minute after taking on the Al Rayyan defence before firing past the hapless Fahd in goal.
“Al Sadd dominated throughout the 90 minutes. We were keen to avoid mistakes and conceding goals. We could have scored more but we played with defensive caution. We also missed a penalty and were not lucky in front of goal.
“We are really happy that we have achieved this victory, just days after defeating Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League. So I want to congratulate the players and also the fans who supported us. I would have been delighted to reach the final, even if the result was 1-0. I am happy that we will play the final at the Al Wakrah Stadium, which will attract the attention of the world. Our players will never forget those historic moments. The fans need to be with us on that occasion. Today you saw the intense desire of the players to reach the final and get the title,” Ferreira said of the match.
