AFC Champions League Elite - Lucescu, Pusic rue missed chances

Doha: Al Sadd SC head coach Razvan Lucescu and his Al Ahli Saudi FC counterpart Marino Pusic did not hide their disappointment after the sides played to a goalless draw in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Monday.

The result earned Al Sadd only the second point of their campaign with defending champions Al Ahli, who are unbeaten, are six ahead after four matches.

#ACLElite | Al Sadd SC (QAT) 0-0 Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA)

“It was an evenly matched game. We played a good first half, executing the tactics we had prepared for the encounter,” said Lucescu. “In the second half, the dynamics of the game shifted; we tried to reach our opponents’ goal, but we were unfortunate not to score.

“We have faced tough matches against Saudi Arabian teams, which we performed well in —in fact, we were closer to scoring and securing a win against both Al Qadsiah and Al Ahli.

“Matches in the AFC Champions League Elite are always tough and intense. Teams aspiring to compete for the title require thorough preparation and comprehensive readiness to handle the strength of their opponents and the demands of the tournament.”

Pusic was pleased with his players’ performance but felt the draw was a missed opportunity, given the chances his side created.

“We played a good match, managed to control the flow of the game for long periods, and created numerous scoring opportunities. However, we lacked the finishing touch, which prevented us from converting our superiority into goals,” said Pusic.

“I’m very satisfied with the players' performance and the level they displayed. The team showed strong character and consistently posed a real threat to Al Sadd’s goal, but we were simply unlucky in capitalising on the chances that came our way.

“This draw feels like a defeat; while we did come away with a point, we effectively dropped two points, given how the match unfolded and the number of chances we created.

“The fact that Al Sadd’s goalkeeper was named Man of the Match is the best evidence of our dominance and the significant pressure we exerted on our opponents' goal. I’m very proud of the performance and the fighting spirit the players demonstrated on the pitch.”

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