At Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium, Julián Quiñones supplied Al Qadisiya with the late intervention they needed against Qatar’s Al-Sadd, turning in an equaliser to secure a point in the AFC Champions League.
Key takeaways
- Quiñones scored Al Qadisiya’s leveller in a 1-1 draw with Al-Sadd on the second matchday.
- Akram Afif had put the visiting Qatari side ahead after the interval.
- The Mexican international’s strike was his second of the continental campaign.
- Quiñones finished 28th in the Ballon d’Or vote after not attending the ceremony.
- Al Qadisiya’s next Saudi Pro League fixture is against Al-Riyadh on Thursday, 29 October.
A late rescue against Al-Sadd
Al Qadisiya welcomed Al-Sadd with both sides seeking points to remain among the leading positions in the league phase. The first half in the eastern Saudi city offered few openings, and Quiñones was largely kept away from clear shooting chances.
The match shifted in the second period when Afif gave Al-Sadd the advantage. The visitors then concentrated on protecting their narrow lead, but Al Qadisiya found a response as the clock moved towards its closing stages.
Quiñones received possession inside the penalty area, spun sharply and sent his effort goalwards. After a rebound, the ball crossed the line to bring the Saudi club level and preserve a valuable draw.
Domestic duty awaits
For Quiñones, the goal was another reminder of his influence after a Ballon d’Or week in which he placed 28th despite missing the gala. The forward has now scored twice in this season’s AFC Champions League.
After their AFC Champions Cup success, Al Qadisiya will turn back to the Saudi Pro League. Al-Riyadh are next on the schedule on Thursday, 29 October, with Quiñones set to carry his continental momentum into the domestic programme.
