“We are happy with the victory and the performance as it was an unbelievable match,” said Xavi. “We didn’t have a good performance in the first leg but today we achieved our goal.

“We deserve to qualify because our performance was great,” added the former Spanish international midfielder. “Al Sadd players showed great winning mentality tonight."

“We controlled the match and that’s why I wasn’t worried about the result,” he said. “This was one of the best matches that we have played this season.”

Al Sadd levelled the tie on aggregate through Akram Afif in the 26th minute but Al Nassr looked to have taken control of the driver's seat when Moroccan forward Abderrazak Hamdallah scored 12 minutes before the break.

Hassan Al Haydos, however, scored with a screamer in the 59th minute and Algerian international Baghdad Bounedjah sealed victory from the penalty spot seven minutes from the end.

Xavi praised the performance of Qatar national team captain Al Haydos, who was a constant thorn for Al Nassr.

“Al Haydos is a role model and I told him that he’s a special one,” said Xavi about the 28-year-old player. “He is a leader on the pitch and he’s one of the best players in West Asia, not only in Qatar.”

After calling time on his phenomenal playing career at the end of last season, Xavi was appointed Al Sadd head coach and the Spain and Barcelona legend is happy with what he has achieved so far.

“I took charge of Al Sadd a month and a half ago and I’m happy with what I have achieved,” he said. “I want to thank the fans who supported us tonight as they were one of the key reasons for this victory.”

Photos: AFC, AFP