Doha: Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini said victory is the only option when his side face Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday in their final group-stage match of the AFC Champions League Elite. Speaking ahead of the game at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Mancini said his players had been fully prepared for what he described as a decisive encounter.

According to Qatar News Agency, Mancini emphasized, "We have only one choice ' to win ' in order to secure a place in the round of 16 and avoid an early exit," expressing confidence in his squad's ability to rise to the occasion. Al Sadd have won their last 10 matches in all competitions and kept their hopes alive in the previous round with a 2'0 victory over Iran's Tractor, moving to eight points. They are currently eighth in the standings, level on points but behind Al Duhail on goal difference and just ahead of Sharjah.

Al Ittihad, meanwhile, have already secured qualification with 12 points and sit fifth in the table, regardless of the result in Doha. Mancini warned that the Saudi side would remain highly motivated despite having already progressed, saying his team must be at their "mental and technical best" to claim the three points.

Al Sadd defender Boualem Khoukhi echoed his coach's comments, describing the match as a major challenge against a strong opponent, but insisted the players were determined to continue their continental campaign.