AFC.com
Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr were in fine form as they secured a 3-1 win over Al Sadd SC of Qatar in Group D of the 2021 AFC Champions League on Saturday.
Both sides went into the tie needing the three points after having opened their campaigns with draws, with Al Sadd needing a last gasp equaliser against Islamic Republic of Iran’s Foolad Khouzestan FC while Al Nassr couldn’t find a way past the resolute defence of Jordan’s Al Wehdat.
The win boosts 2020 AFC Champions League semi-finalists Al Nassr’s hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 while Al Sadd have it all to do as they seek their first win.
Both teams started the match cagily with play mostly concentrated in midfield with just the occasional foray upfront by either side.
Both had to be content with half chances but Baghdad Bounedjah came close in the 34th minute when he received a cross from Pedro Miguel but the Moroccan’s right-footed shot from the centre of the box missed the top right corner.
Al Nassr’s response was almost immediate as a speedy exchange of passes saw Nordin Amrabat releasing the ball to Sami Al Najei on the right.
Najei’s cross hit Al Sadd captain Abdelkarim Hassan on the left hand, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot, with 2020 AFC Champions League topscorer Abderazak Hamdallah rifling the ball home in the 37th minute to give Al Nassr the lead going into the break.