We’ll be honest, we’re not entirely sure how things are going for Xavi in Qatar with Al Sadd. What we do know is that the 38-year-old captured his first major piece of silverware with the club last season in the form of the Qatar Cup, and he registered a hugely respectable total of 10 goals in 26 league appearances (although his club finished runner-up to Al-Duhail).
However, in the most prominent competition for Xavi’s side, the AFC Champions League, the former Barcelona star did miss a penalty during a playoff to send his side crashing out. Regardless, despite rumors that last season would be his final as a professional, Xavi signed a two-year contract extension back in May. He reportedly earns about $12 million per year in Qatar.
And things are going much better in the 2018 Champions League for Xavi and Al Sadd. After finishing runner-up in the group stage, the Qatari club knocked out Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in the Round of 16, 4-3 on aggregate.
Monday, the club played the first leg of its quarterfinal match against Iran’s Esteghlal. Al Sadd won 3-1, with Xavi registering a pretty brilliant assist on the second goal, scored by Baghdad Bounedjah.
If Al Sadd advances to the semis, it'll play either Qatari rival Al-Duhail or Iran’s Persepolis.
The other side of the bracket features one side from Japan (Kashima Antlers), one from China (Tianjin Quanjian) and two from South Korea (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Suwon Samsung Bluewings).
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