AFC Champions League Elite - Preview: Al Sadd SC (QAT) v Sharjah FC (UAE)

Doha: Having needed to come from behind to salvage a point in their opening AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 tie, Al Sadd SC will be focused on not slipping up against Sharjah FC on Tuesday.

Hassan Al Haydos' second half strike rescued Al Sadd against Iraq's Al Shorta and the Qatari side will be wary of the challenge UAE's Sharjah will pose.

Al Sadd, champions in 2011, advanced to the quarter-finals last season after suffering group stage exits in the previous three editions.

The reigning Qatar champions know they can't afford to be dropping points - especially at home - and will be fired up for Al Shorta's challenge.

Al Sadd are not only unbeaten against Sharjah in their two previous meetings but have not suffered defeat in their last 16 encounters (W7 D9) with teams from the UAE in the AFC Champions League.

Sharjah, however, will be aiming for a second win after their breathtaking 4-3 defeat of Qatar's Al Gharafa SC two weeks ago, the come-from-behind victory being sealed with two stoppage time goals.

Winners of the AFC Champions League Two™ last season, the UAE side are unlikely to he fazed by the prospect of playing Al Sadd at their Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

Al Sadd SC (QAT) v Sharjah FC (UAE)
Venue: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:00 (UTC+3)

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