Xavi Hernandez: We deserve this result, our performance was unbelievable

Al-Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez expressed his delight after his side reached the semifinals of the AFC Champions League with a 4-3 aggregate victory over Al-Nassr in the quarterfinal.

Al-Sadd lost the first leg 1-2 in Riyadh but bounced back to win the second leg 3-1 at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Monday evening to go through to the semifinals for the second consecutive year.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Xavi said: “Thanks to all those who congratulated us for the win. We are very happy with the result and the excellent performance. We gave an unbelievable performance. In the first leg, we did not play well but we did what was required tonight and we deserve to go through. The Al-Sadd players have a winning mentality and they will continue like this in the upcoming games.”

He added: “I took up the Al-Sadd coaching role a month and a half back only. I am very happy with what we have achieved.”

The coach also said: “We managed to control the game and so I was not too worried. It was one of the best matches we have played this season.”

“I take this opportunity to salute the fans whose support was excellent. They are one of the reasons for this win. They were part of the game today. Their support had a clear effect on the players, and on me as well. We need them not only in these matches but throughout the season. They are fans who want to win titles and we will win titles with them. They were brilliant today.”

Xavi also praised man-of-the-match Hassan Al-Haydos, saying: “Al-Haydos is an example. I told him many times that he is an excellent role model. He has leadership qualities. Gabi may wear the captain’s armband but Al-Haydos is a true leader. He is one of the best players in the Middle East, and not just Qatar.”