Al-Sadd Triumphs 2-1 Over Al-Nassr to Secure Asian Champions League Playoff Spot

On Monday, Al-Sadd secured a spot in the Asian Champions League playoffs with a 2-1 victory over Ronaldo-less Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from the match having been rested since Al-Nassr had already qualified for the round of 16.

Al-Sadd took the lead in the 53rd minute when Akram Afif recently named Asian Player of the Year scored. Despite strong efforts from Al-Nassr’s Sadio Mane and Anderson Talisca Al-Nassr equalized in the 80th minute through an own goal by Romain Saiss. However, in the ninth minute of added time, Afif was fouled in the box, and Adam Ounas converted the resulting penalty to secure the win for Al-Sadd.

The victory saw Al-Sadd move into fourth place in their group a point behind Al-Nassr and advance to the knockout stages. Al-Sadd coach Felix Sanchez praised his team’s hard work, particularly in managing possession and securing the win away from home.

In other results Al-Ahli finished first in their group after a 2-2 draw with Esteghlal. Ivan Toney scored twice for Al-Ahli, including a penalty in the final minutes. Persepolis defeated Al-Shorta 2-1, and Al-Wasl drew with Al-Rayyan 1-1.