Qatar’s Al Sadd went down fighting to Saudi Arabia’s Al Faisaly 1-2 in the second round of 2022 AFC Champions League Group E at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam on Monday.

After Qatar international forward Hassan Al Haydous put Al Sadd ahead by scoring as early as the fourth minute, Al Faisaly fought back through goals from Hicham Faik (16th minute) and Julio Tavares (53rd minute) to seal their first victory.

Al Sadd had drawn 1-1 with Uzbekistan’s Nasaf. Similarly, Al Faisaly had drawn 1-1 with Jordan’s Al Wehdat in the first round.

Al Sadd will next play against Al Wehdat on Friday.

Reigning QNB Stars League champions Al Sadd, who had won the continental title twice before (1989 and 2011), started off strongly and built on it by taking an early lead through Al Haydous, who scored with a shot from inside the penalty area following Akram Afif’s pass.

Al Faisaly’s response came not before long when Hisham nodded home Tavares’ cross from the left.

In the second half, Al Sadd pressed hard and intensified their offence.

However, Al Faisaly went up through Tavares against the run of play.

Al Sadd then dominated the match and launched many attempts at the goal, but for an equalizing goal.