DOHA: Two of Qatar’s biggest clubs Al Sadd and Al Rayyan will clash today, dubbed as the ‘El Clasico’ in Doha, in the 17th round of the Qatar Stars League (QSL).
A highlight in the QSL fixture calendar, points leaders Al Sadd will be hoping to make it a double over Diego Aguirre’s side, having crushed Al Rayyan 4-1 in November.
Al Sadd, coached by Hussein Amotta, comes into this game on the back of a 1-0 loss at Eljaish on Sunday.
In contrast, Al Rayyan will be full on confidence having survived a minor scare to crush Al Sailiyah 7-3 on Sunday.
Amotta admitted his side will have to be wary of Al Rayyan’s attacking threats during today’s match at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.
Amotta said: “I’m always afraid not from the opponent but from the attitude of my players. Al Rayyan have good players, especially up front like Nilmar, Tabata and Gomo. Lately they haven’t had good results but they are a good team who always play well.”
He added: “We can’t give them any chances. In the last week we lost a player who was sent off and we lost in the last minute. I hope against Al Rayyan we play well and put in a good performance.”
Meanwhile, his opposite number Aguirre said both sides will be motivated for the match but will not put more pressure on his players after the positive result against Al Sailiyah.
Aguirre said: “Both sides will be motivated for this game. There will be no problem for that. We will respect Al Sadd but we have nothing to fear.”
The Uruguayan added: “There is no more pressure on my players because of our result against Al Sailiyah. It’s not important if you win or lose before facing Al Sadd. It’s a special game so we must play very well. Everyone wants to be involved in these games.”
In what will be a busy day for football fans in Qatar, all 12 of the QSL teams will be in action today.
Another high profile match will be between former QSL champions Al Gharafa and defending champions Lekhwiya at 4.45pm.
Al Gharafa are in sixth position, while Lekhwiya occupy second place, five points behind Al Sadd.
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