Xavi's Al Sadd suffer 2-1 defeat to Al Nassr in AFC Champions League quarter

DOHA, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr edged out Qatar's Al Sadd, coached by Spain and Barcelona legend Xavi, 2-1 in Monday's AFC Champions League quarterfinal first leg.

Ali Asadalla put 2011 champions Al Sadd into a 21st minute lead with a fine left-footed shot from the right edge of the box off a pass from Hassan al-Haydos.

The hosts levelled the score through Abdulrahman al-Dawsari's shot in the 44th minute in front of a large crowd at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh.

Brazilian Giuliano of Al Nassr broke the deadlock, heading home a pass from Firas al-Birakan in the 72nd minute to earn the home side a 2-1 victory.

Al Sadd will now meet Al Nassr in the second leg on September 16 in Doha.