AFC Champions League Elite
Caras was pleased to see his side from Uzbekistan rewarded after an inspired second half which led to Dostonbek Khamdamov’s equaliser from the penalty spot in the 89th minute while Rodgers felt his Saudi Arabian team deserved more.
#ACLElite | Pakhtakor (UZB) 1-1 Al Qadsiah Club (KSA)
"It was a good, entertaining game with many challenges,” said Caras. “No one wanted to lose. There were enough scoring opportunities in front of both goals.
“In the first half, we were sloppy from one counterattacking move and they scored. We had prepared the players for this, for fast attackers to penetrate into empty zones, but, unfortunately, we missed one counterattack."
“In the first half, we were sloppy from one counterattacking move and they scored. We had prepared the players for this, for fast attackers to penetrate into empty zones, but, unfortunately, we missed one counterattack."
“In the second half, we outplayed the opponents by playing more correctly in attack and as a result, we earned a penalty and a goal was scored. Perhaps, in the end, we deserved the victory, but in football, the result is important.”
While Rodgers was disappointed Tijjani Reijnders’ 35th minute opener was cancelled out late, the former Liverpool and Celtic head coach said Al Qadsiah would be better for the experience.
“It was a really good match; we are disappointed to concede a penalty so late in the game,” said Rodgers. “The players gave their all on the pitch and showed great energy, especially considering we played last Friday night and dealt with travel fatigue."
While Rodgers was disappointed Tijjani Reijnders’ 35th minute opener was cancelled out late, the former Liverpool and Celtic head coach said Al Qadsiah would be better for the experience.
“It was a really good match; we are disappointed to concede a penalty so late in the game,” said Rodgers. “The players gave their all on the pitch and showed great energy, especially considering we played last Friday night and dealt with travel fatigue."
“When facing a good team, a draw is an acceptable result. We were leading until the final moments; our opponents had nothing to lose, so they pushed forward aggressively, sending in numerous crosses and applying intense pressure.
“We could have managed the ball a bit better - particularly in the second half - and better controlled the flow of the game but we have four points from two matches and the players will learn from this experience.”
“We could have managed the ball a bit better - particularly in the second half - and better controlled the flow of the game but we have four points from two matches and the players will learn from this experience.”
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