Monday Preview: Afif Leads Al Sadd’s Star-Studded Squad, Esteghlal Struggles in League Performance

At 00:00 on October 1st, in the second round of the West Asia Zone of the AFC Champions League Elite League, Qatari team Al Sadd will face Iranian team Esteghlal at home. The two teams meet again in an Asian competition after six years, with Al Sadd hoping for their first win and Esteghlal looking to continue their strong start from the first round.

Al Sadd failed to secure a victory in the first round, but as a powerhouse in Qatar, they have a solid squad, boasting Qatari internationals Akram Afif and Hassan Al Haydos, as well as former Porto midfielder Luis Pedro Cavanda. Moreover, Al Sadd’s attacking prowess is evident, having scored 17 goals in the Qatari league, leading the pack.

Esteghlal defeated another Qatari team in the first round and currently lead the West Asia Zone on goal difference. In addition to several Iranian internationals, the team also features the core player of the Uzbekistan national team, Odil Ahmedov.

Al Sadd won their last domestic league match 4-2 against Al Duhail SC, ending a run of three consecutive games without a win across all competitions. In their first three home games of the new season, they secured two wins and one loss, including a 5-0 victory.

Although Esteghlal won their first game in the AFC Champions League Elite League, they have not won in their last two domestic matches. This season in the Iranian league, Esteghlal has conceded in every game. Their away record this season is one win, one draw, and one loss, and they hope to end their winless streak away from home in this visit to Qatar.

The two teams have met five times in the AFC Champions League (formerly the AFC Champions League), with Al Sadd remaining unbeaten in regular time with one win and four draws. However, in the 2011 and 2018 seasons, Esteghlal drew 2-2 in both away games against Al Sadd.

Playing two consecutive home games, Al Sadd avoids the fatigue of travel and hopes to capitalize on their recent league victory to secure their first win in the AFC Champions League Elite League. Despite playing away, Esteghlal hopes to continue their strong start from the first round and also aims for their first regular-time win in away games against Al Sadd.

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