What a dramatic and exciting match witnessed in the capital, Riyadh, where Al-Sadd achieved a valuable and well-deserved victory over its host, Al-Nassr Saudi Arabia, by two goals to one, in a fiery summit that brought them together yesterday evening in the AFC Champions League competitions.
Al-Sadd proved its worth and embarrassed Al-Alamy in its home after a fighting and distinguished performance throughout the two halves of the match, winning three expensive points that raised its score to 12 points, which returned it to fourth place and confirmed its qualification to the round of 16.
Al Sadd opened the scoring through its star Akram Afif in the 53rd minute with a perfect counterattack. Despite Al-Nasr’s intense attempts to equalize, the goal came with friendly fire in the 80th minute when Al-Sadd defender Romain Saiss accidentally completed a cross into his own net.
In the fatal time, Al Sadd won a penalty kick, which Adam Wannas successfully converted in the 99th minute, deciding the match in favor of his team. With this victory, Al-Nasr’s balance froze at 13 points in second place.
Al Sadd played their best match this season in the tournament, as they played with great organization in defense and relied on dangerous counterattacks. Mashal Barshim, Al Sadd’s goalkeeper, excelled in stopping Al Nassr’s chances, most notably a powerful shot from Sadio Mane in the 30th minute.
Al Sadd not only defended, but launched quick counterattacks, most notably Cristo Ramon Gonzalez’s solo attempt at the beginning of the second half, who almost increased the score but shot the ball near the post.
In the 53rd minute, Akram Afif scored the first goal after a quick start and a wonderful counterattack that ended with a perfect shot into the net.
In the 80th minute, Romain Saiss accidentally crossed a ball into his team’s goal, giving Al-Nasr a draw.
The 99th minute was a point of happiness for Al-Zaeem when he won a correct penalty kick as a result of Akram Afif’s foul, which Adam Wannas confidently shot into the net to announce the victory.
With this victory, Al Sadd demonstrated its strength and ability to compete in the largest Asian tournaments, achieving a well-deserved victory against a strong competitor in a match that will remain stuck in the minds of fans of both teams.
