“Our goal was to win, but the match ended in a draw. We performed well and both teams were at a very high level,” said Jesus.” “The tournament is very difficult, it is similar to the UEFA Champions League. The match caused us extreme fatigue but this is no excuse.

“If we want to succeed, we must manage in the required manner. Pressure and fatigue are the fate of big clubs that compete in all tournaments and we are up to the task.”

The draw came on the heels of Al Hilal losing their Saudi Pro League unbeaten record last Friday but Jesus said that did not play a part in the changes he made to Tuesday’s starting lineup. 

“The fit players were the ones who started the match, and we deliberately rested some players, including (Sergej Milinkovic) Savic, who we brought on in the second half. 

“We are suffering from some absences, and we are waiting for the return of Neymar, Malcom de Oliveira and Ruben Neves to support us during the coming period,” said Jesus, with Al Hilal to meet Qatar’s Al Gharafa SC on Tuesday. 

The draw preserved Al Sadd’s unbeaten run but head coach Felix Sanchez felt his side could have gone on to seal victory after their strong showing in the second half. 

"We were behind by a goal and we had to come back into the match, but we managed to equalise and we could have gone further. I thank the players for what they did. It was a very tough match but the players performed at a high level.

“Our goal is to qualify for the Round of 16. Yes, we have not lost in the competition but our goal against Al Hilal was not to draw, but to win," said Sanchez, whose side face Al Nassr Club on Monday.