Roberto Mancini lived one of the greatest nights of his managerial career, having guided Al‑Sadd to the elimination of Al‑Hilal, coached by Simone Inzaghi, in the Asian Champions League, at the same time as securing the Qatari league title – a remarkable moment that combined continental brilliance with definitive domestic success.
According to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, a thrilling round‑of‑16 clash in Jeddah carried a distinctly Italian flavor in its technical leadership, as Mancini bested Inzaghi 4–2 in a penalty shootout after an electrifying 3–3 draw that held until the end of extra time. The match began at a high tempo, with Al‑Hilal taking the lead through Serbian Sergej Milinković‑Savić in the 29th minute, following a pass from Frenchman Theo Hernández, only for Claudinho to equalize for Al‑Sadd in the 36th minute.
At the start of the second half, Al‑Hilal reclaimed the lead through Salem Al‑Dawsari, assisted by Portuguese Ruben Neves, but Moqueca quickly restored parity for Al‑Sadd just three minutes later. In the 22nd minute of the second half, Brazilian Marcus Leonardo put Al‑Hilal ahead with a pass from French striker Karim Benzema, yet fellow Brazilian Roberto Firmino brought Al‑Sadd back into the game four minutes later, forcing a draw and sending the tie to extra time.
Throughout extra time, Al‑Hilal remained the more threatening side but failed to find a winner despite multiple chances, most notably a late attempt by Pablo Mari, before the match was decided on penalties. Benzema and youngster Saïmon Bouabré both missed their efforts, whereas Al‑Sadd saw only Firmino miss one spot‑kick, allowing captain Akram Afif to clinch the tie and send his side into the quarter‑finals, where they will face Japan’s Vissel Kobe.
At the same moment, Mancini formally sealed the Qatar Stars League title, after Al‑Sadd’s closest rival, Al‑Shamal, lost 2–0 to Qatar SC on the penultimate matchday, confirming the championship without needing the final round.
This title represents the 15th in Mancini’s managerial career since taking charge of Al‑Sadd in November of the previous year, following his stint with the Saudi national team, and it is the club’s 19th league crown overall, marking their third title in a row and maintaining their dominance in the domestic competition.
The achievement rests on the outstanding performances of the squad’s stars, foremost Akram Afif, who produced 14 goals and 12 assists, alongside Brazilian Roberto Firmino, who scored 12 goals, helping Al‑Sadd complete an exceptional season that blended domestic supremacy with continental flair.
