Al-Wasl and Al-Sadd faced each other on March 3, 2025, in a thrilling encounter for the AFC Champions League knockout stage at Zabeel Stadium, Dubai, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
The match began with Al-Wasl gaining the upper hand, as Uberwai Ali Saleh put the home team on the scoreboard just three minutes after kickoff. With remarkable skill, Saleh dodged past defenders before delivering a well-placed shot past the Al-Sadd goalkeeper, which sent the crowd’s cheers echoing through the stadium.
Al-Wasl, buoyed by their early lead, pressed for more. The home side maintained possession, with their midfielders dominating play and creating several attempts on goal. Despite their control, they couldn’t capitalize on their advantage and find the net again, as Al-Sadd's defense held firm.
By the 21st minute, Saleh almost doubled the score; unfortunately, his attempt was missed wide of the target, keeping the score at 1-0 approaching halftime. Al-Wasl ended the half strong, yet with only their solitary goal to show for it, they knew the match was far from over.
The second half saw Al-Sadd come out determined to equalize. The Qatari side made strategic changes, introducing more attacking players to shift momentum. Their persistence paid off when, at the 68th minute, Abdullah Al-Yazidi scored the equalizer. Receiving the ball just outside the box, Al-Yazidi launched it beautifully toward the corner of the net, leaving Al-Wasl’s goalkeeper no chance to respond.
From then on, the match was evenly contested. Al-Wasl fought hard trying to regain their lead, launching several attacks but failed to break through Al-Sadd's defensive wall. The draw reflected the intensity and determination both teams exhibited throughout the 90 minutes.
The tie means the battle continues; the return leg is set for March 10, 2025, at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar. With the teams locked at 1-1, the upcoming match promises to be another gripping encounter as both sides fight for advancement to the next round.
Al-Wasl heads back to the drawing board to strategize, knowing they had the home advantage but failed to secure the win. Meanwhile, Al-Sadd walks away from Dubai with renewed confidence after their late equalizer, primed to leverage their home ground advantage during the decisive fixture.
Fans from both teams are eagerly anticipating the rematch, with each side hoping to secure their place among the best as the AFC Champions League progresses. Analysis suggests the team's performance! Next week’s match will not only weigh heavily on the players' shoulders but also on the dedicated fans who are always aligned with their favorite teams. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell.