AFC Champions League Elite - Inzaghi: Al Hilal’s homework paid off

Doha: Simone Inzaghi knew exactly what paved the way for Al Hilal SFC’s 2-0 win against Al Sadd SC in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ match on Tuesday.

Having played Al Ittihad Club on Saturday in the Saudi Pro League, the Italian tactician relied on tactics born from work done off the field as goals from Ollie Watkins and Ruben Neves secured them a second successive win.

#ACLElite | Al Sadd SC (QAT) 0-2 Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

“I am happy with the players' performance, we played a great match and controlled most of the proceedings,” said Inzaghi. “I witnessed a fantastic performance from the team.

“Given the limited time available, our preparations relied more on video analysis of the opponents than on on-field training sessions. This away match was by no means easy, and I thank our wonderful fans for their presence and continued support of the team.”

The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Razvan Lucescu, having seen his Al Sadd side match Al Hilal throughout the tie at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

Poor finishing and Yassine Bounou’s excellence in goal for the opponents put paid to hopes of earning their first points with Al Sadd currently sitting at the bottom of the West Zone standings following two defeats.

“I saw my team working hard and diligently and they went toe-to-toe with the opposition,” said Lucescu. “We created significant, dangerous chances, but unfortunately, we didn't capitalise on those moments as well as we could have.

“We are also going through a peculiar phase following this long break, especially with some players returning from injury and not yet reaching peak physical fitness.

“Essentially, we are now resuming the work and effort we put in during the summer preparation period, albeit under different circumstances.”

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