But Al Sadd’s second defeat in a row, following their 4-1 thrashing by domestic rivals Al Duhail in last week’s Amir Cup final in Doha, meant Xavi’s illustrious career ended in a low-key fashion. Fellow Al Sadd midfielder Gabi also paid tribute to his captain and fellow Spaniard, calling him a “role model”. Also in Group D, goals from Omar al-Somah and Abdulrahman Ghareeb helped Saudi’s Al Ahli beat Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor 2-1 to finish second behind Al Sadd. Al Ahli needed to beat Pakhtakor to finish second behind Al Sadd and they did exactly that to make the next phase with nine points, one behind the Qataris. In Group C, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and Qatar’s Al Duhail played out a 2-2 draw.

Source: The Express Tribune May 21, 2019 08:48 UTC