Al Sadd players celebrate their QSL title on Monday.
Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd are relishing their Qatar Stars League (QSL) triumph, with their sights now firmly set on Amir Cup glory as the quarter-finals approach.
Al Sadd - the most decorated club in Qatar - extended their domestic dominance by securing a record 19th top-flight title after edging Al Shamal 3-2 in a decisive showdown at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday. The triumph also marked the third time Al Sadd have won the league three seasons in a row.
The title, their first of the season, comes as a boost for the club and its fans following their exit from the AFC Champions League quarter-finals, where they lost to Vissel Kobe 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 draw a fortnight ago.
“We dedicate this precious title to our great fans, who have always stood behind the team and supported us in all circumstances,” said CEO Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani.
“What we achieved is the result of an entire season’s effort. The determination and fighting spirit of the Al Sadd players were the key factors in securing the championship.”
Coach Roberto Mancini guided Al Sadd through a strong second-half comeback in the season, as they eventually edged Al Shamal, who were chasing their maiden Falcon Shield, in a title race that went down to the wire.
Veteran forward Hassan Al-Haydos said the team’s hunger for success remains strong.
“We are happy to have won the shield deservedly and we look forward to more. Al Sadd have achieved their goal of winning the league title, and the players showed a fighting spirit in all matches.
“We have the motivation to do our best in the remaining tournaments this season.”
Al Sadd, who also hold the record for most Amir Cup titles, are now aiming for a 20th trophy. They are set to face Al Shamal again in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham said the QSL triumph will serve as strong motivation.
“From the beginning of the season, we were thinking about winning the QSL title. We knew what was required to win the shield, and it will be an additional motivation for us to achieve more in the future.”
Midfielder Romain Saiss added: “We didn’t start the season well, but we came back and did everything to win the title deservedly.”
Pedro Miguel echoed similar sentiments, thanking the supporters and highlighting the team’s hard work. “I thank everyone, starting with the fans. We’re happy with this well-deserved triumph because we worked with great effort to achieve it.”
