Al-Wasl of the UAE faced off against the Qatari club Al-Sadd on March 3, 2025, at Zabeel Stadium, resulting in a hard-fought 1-1 draw during the first leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16. This match set the stage for next week’s decisive second leg, where the teams will compete for advancement to the quarter-finals of one of Asia's most prestigious tournaments.
The game kicked off with intensity as Al-Wasl struck early, taking control of the match almost immediately. Ali Saleh showcased his skill by scoring just two minutes and 35 seconds after the match began, netting the fastest goal for Al-Wasl this tournament. Following some exquisite footwork and dribbling past several defenders, Saleh slotted the ball past the Al-Sadd goalkeeper, sending the home crowd at Zabeel Stadium wild with excitement.
With their early advantage, Al-Wasl pushed for another goal to extend their lead. They nearly doubled their score just moments later, as João Pedro found himself with clear space but was thwarted by Al-Sadd’s defense, earning only a corner kick. Al-Wasl’s momentum continued with another promising opportunity when Saleh missed connecting his shot from close range after Pedro delivered him another chance.
Despite the initial pressure from Al-Wasl, Al-Sadd began to settle down and responded with attempts of their own. The team maintained their composure, and as the first half neared its end, they came close to equalizing when Rafa Mohica hit the post, just missing the target with the ball deflecting back before the whistle blew.
The second half began with Al-Wasl showing some signs of fatigue, which allowed Al-Sadd to gain momentum. This change in dynamics led to them finally breaking through Al-Wasl’s defense. Al-Sadd equalized in the 68th minute when Abdullah Badr swooped in to score with a surprising header from inside the box, capitalizing on poor marking by Al-Wasl's defense. His goal not only brought Al-Sadd back onto level terms but also added pressure on Al-Wasl as they entered the final stretch of the match.
Following the equalizer, both teams pushed for the advantage, yet neither managed to find the back of the net again. The remainder of the match was characterized by tactical play, as both sides became cautious, recognizing the stakes involved. Each moment of possession relevant as time ticked down, and individual performances showcased exemplary efforts from both sides.
With the match ending at 1-1, Al-Wasl faces the challenge of maintaining their form as they prepare to head to Doha for the second leg at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium next week. Having been unable to secure the win at home, they know the return leg will be pivotal to their hopes of advancing.
Historically, this matchup marks the third clash between the two teams this season, following two draws and one win for Al-Wasl previously. Fans will eagerly anticipate the next installment and hope their team can overcome the away challenge. The results from the past rounds demonstrate both teams’ resilience, and upcoming will undoubtedly be intense as they vie for the coveted quarterfinal berth.
Looking beyond this match, Al-Sadd came to this stage with mixed results during the group stage, having steadily improved their form. They entered the knockout phase following strong performances, including victories over teams like Persepolis and Al-Nasr, setting up for this high-stakes encounter.
On the other side, Al-Wasl’s ambition will hinge on their ability to regain momentum after their match performance, which highlighted both strengths and weaknesses on the field. Leverage from support and strategic adjustments could be key factors to clinching their place when they meet again.
Fans now look forward to what promises to be another thrilling encounter on March 10, 2025, as operations for the AFC Champions League continue heating up, and both squads have everything to play for.