AFC Champions League Elite - Al Qadsiah live up to Rodgers’ expectations

Al Rayyan: Head coach Brendan Rodgers lauded Al Qadsiah Club’s intensity after their 5-0 win over Al Gharafa SC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Monday.

A dominant first half put the Saudi Arabia side in control as they secured the second win of their campaign with Rodgers pleased with his players’ ability to sustain their attacking intensity throughout the match.

#ACLElite | Al Gharafa SC (QAT) 0-5 Al Qadsiah Club (KSA)

“The players delivered a high-level performance, maintaining the same level of effort and attacking spirit that have always defined us,” said Rodgers. “For us, the speed of play dictates the tempo of the match; we were in perfect control during the first half and managed to sustain our attacking pressure.”

Rodgers added that maintaining the tempo and style of play was central to Al Qadsiah’s identity.

“Our identity is built on high-intensity play and encouraging the team to keep running for the full 90 minutes. We faced good opponents today.”

While the result strengthened Al Qadsiah’s hopes of progressing, Al Gharafa were consigned to a fourth straight defeat, with head coach Pedro Martins accepting responsibility for the Qatari side’s performance.

“I take full responsibility, as I made the decision to rest several players who needed it and if I had to do it all over again, I would make the exact same choice,” said Martins.

“We offered nothing in the first half; it was one of our worst performances in the tournament. Our focus now shifts entirely to the domestic league.”

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