Doha, Qatar: Al Shamal are relishing the opportunity to measure themselves against one of Asia’s strongest sides when they take on Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League Elite at Al Bayt Stadium tonight.
The two teams will meet for the first time, with Al Shamal looking to upset the odds against an Al Hilal side who have made a perfect start to their campaign with two wins from two matches.
Al Shamal have collected two points from their opening two games, but coach David Prats is confident his players can compete against the Saudi giants, stressing that his side will take the field with the ambition of claiming all three points.
“We are facing a tough match against one of the best teams in Asia, which includes a selection of high-level players and is led by a top-level coaching staff,” the Spanish coach said at a press conference yesterday.
“Al Shamal is also a great team and we have top-level players. We are looking forward to achieving our goal from the match, which is to win and collect the three points. This is a legitimate ambition for us, with our full awareness of the strength and size of Al Hilal team, and that the match will be difficult.”
Prats called on his players to maintain their focus and give their maximum effort throughout the match, while sticking to the team’s identity.
He acknowledged Al Hilal’s rich history and present strength but insisted that the contest would ultimately be decided on the pitch.
“Al Hilal is certainly a great team with a rich history and a distinguished present, but in the end, football is 11 players against 11 players. We must be ready and give our all to achieve our goal,” he said.
Al Hilal’s record makes the challenge even tougher for the Qatari side. The Saudi club are unbeaten in their last 10 matches against Qatari teams, winning eight and drawing two. They have also gone 24 league/group-stage matches without defeat, with 21 wins and three draws.
Al Shamal defender Youssouf Sabaly said the team had worked hard in recent days and were ready for the challenge.
“We are aware of how difficult the match will be and the size of the opponent, but at the same time we have one goal, which is to win and collect the three points,” he said.
Sabaly also welcomed the arrival of Riyad Mahrez, describing the Algerian international as a special player whose experience and quality would add strength to the team.
Kick-off is at 9:15pm.
