Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Sadd and Al Rayyan face off in the highly anticipated Qatar Clasico in the Ooredoo Stars League on Thursday. The match will kick off at 7.30 pm at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, promising an intense battle between two of the league’s fiercest rivals.
Sadd are currently second in the standings with 15 points, four behind leaders Al Duhail. The defending champions will aim to maintain their momentum after a 3-0 win over Al Wakrah in the previous round. Coach Felix Sanchez stressed the importance of this fixture as it is the last league match before the international break. “Playing against Al Rayyan is always different, but as usual we have to focus on getting the three points. It is important that we try to get a good result,” Sanchez said.
The Wolves will, however, be without Pedro Miguel and Paulo Otavio, both sidelined with injuries. Despite these setbacks, Sanchez remains optimistic about his team’s form. “I think the players are now at a good level, and we are getting good results. This gives us the motivation to continue.”
Al Sadd midfieler Mohammed Waad also expressed confidence ahead of the match. “It will be difficult for both teams, but our goal is to collect the three points and continue the victories. Al Sadd fans are our biggest strength, and we are waiting for them at the Qatar Clasico match,” he said.
On the other hand, Al Rayyan, who sit eighth in the table with 10 points, will be looking to bounce back after a 2-2 draw against Al Ahli.
Coach Younes Ali acknowledged the challenge of facing Al Sadd but remained confident in his squad’s ability to compete. “Al Rayyan vs Al Sadd matches are always difficult, exciting, strong, and popular. The team that is more focused and exploits opportunities is more likely to win,” he said.
Ali emphasised the importance of staying composed and capitalizing on key moments. “Regardless of both teams’ rankings, these matches are always difficult and offer great incentive to the winning side. We hope to avoid injuries during this challenging period, as we’re playing every three days,” the coach added.
The Lions will rely heavily on Roger Guedes, their top scorer with six goals this season, alongside Mahmoud Trezeguet, Achraf Bencharki and Abdulaziz Hatem to anchor the midfield. Rodrigo Tabata, a veteran presence for Al Rayyan, noted the significance of this match for their season.
“It is a very difficult match, and right now, Al Sadd have the advantage because they are better in the standings. But I think this is the right moment for us to get back on the right track and regain our winning touch,” Tabata said. “We have to implement the coach’s instructions, and in Clasico matches, small details make the difference. We need to focus on those to secure the three points.”
With the rivalry steeped in tradition, a packed stadium and electrifying atmosphere are expected for the Qatar Clasico, adding to the intensity of what promises to be a captivating football match.
Meanwhile, Al Gharafa will host Al Arabi at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium today. Al Gharafa managed to secure a crucial point against Al Duhail last after a 1-1 draw, which served as a recovery from their earlier defeat in the third round against Al Wasl of the UAE in the prestigious AFC Champions League Elite.
Currently, The Cheetahs occupy the fourth position in the standings, having accumulated 12 points. In contrast, Al Arabi have returned to winning form, achieving a 4-1 victory over Qatar SC in their most recent match, which elevated their total to 10 points, placing them ninth, with a goal difference that separates them from Al Shamal and Al Rayyan, who are positioned seventh and eighth respectively.
In the other match of the day, Al Khor face Qatar SC at the Al Khor Stadium. Al Khor currently sit at the bottom of the table in 12th place with only four points, having yet to record a win. In contrast, Qatar SC occupy the 11th position with seven points and the three-point gap between the two teams is expected to intensify the competition, adding an element of challenge and excitement to the encounter.
Round 9 Fixtures (Thursday)
5:30pm: Al Khor vs Qatar SC at Al Khor Stadium
5:30pm: Al Gharafa vs Al Arabi at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium
7:30pm: Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium
Friday: 5:30pm: Al Shamal vs Al Duhail at Al Khor Stadium
7:30pm: Al Wakrah vs Umm Salal at Al Janoub Stadium
7:30pm: Al Ahli vs Al Shahania at Al Thumama Stadium.
