Răzvan Lucescu receives standing ovation in Saudi Arabia despite Al-Sadd draw

Răzvan Lucescu received a warm welcome from fans in Saudi Arabia during Al-Sadd's recent Champions League match against Al-Qadsiah. The Romanian coach was applauded by the entire stadium and had his name chanted by supporters of the home side, demonstrating the lasting respect he earned during his previous tenure in the country.

The match, held in Khobar as part of the third round of the Champions League, ended in a 1-1 draw. Al-Sadd took the lead in the 74th minute through a goal by Akram Afif, but Al-Qadsiah equalized ten minutes later when Quinones capitalized on a defensive error.

Despite the positive reception from the crowd, Lucescu expressed disappointment with the outcome. He stated that his team should have won the match, noting that while he was satisfied with the performance, they missed several clear opportunities. The result leaves Al-Sadd with only one point from their first three games in the Champions League Elite West zone.

Lucescu previously coached Al-Hilal Riad in Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2021, where he won three trophies, including the Champions League. This history contributes to the high regard in which he is held by fans in the region. During the match, he was also seen taking a photo with a young fan, an image that subsequently went viral in the Arab world.

Al-Sadd faces a challenging path to the knockout stages, having lost their first two matches against Esteghlal Teheran and Al-Hilal Riad. To advance, the team must finish in the top eight of their 16-team group. They currently sit two points away from the eighth position required to reach the last 16.