Doha: Defending champions Lekhwiya and third-placed Al Rayyan will clash in the Qatar Stars League match here today at Thani bin Jassim Stadium.
The round 14 match of the 12-team QSL promises to be a cracker of a match.
The Eric Gerets coached side is keen to catch up table toppers Al Sadd when they square up against Al Rayyan.
On the other hand, Al Rayyan will be plotting to dethrone the two-time QSL champions from the second spot.
Lekhwiya coach Gerets said they were taking each match of the second leg of the double legged QSL as a final
“When we started the second round we put in our minds the next 11 games were like a final,” Gerets said, while addressing a press breifing on the eve of the match.
“We’ve started with two wins, which is good for the confidence and for the points. Al Rayyan are two points behind us and we need to win this game so they do not pass us,” he added
Gerets said the pressure to win and perform is an integral part of the game.
“The pressure is the same. We are playing against a opponent who competing for our place (on the points table). If we win it’s going to be more difficult for them to catch with us,” added the Belgian.
Lekhwiya Gerets said has also being keeping an eye on the performance of Al Sadd.
Going into today’s match Hussein Amotta side have a six point lead over Lekhwiya.
On the other hand, Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre said today’s match will be a crucial game for the two teams.
“It is our last opportunity in order to reach the first place and fight for the title. This is the main idea,” said Aguirre.
“I am not concentrating on the places or positions. The most important thing is the points. All I am thinking about is the victory.It will not be a good result to draw for either side,” he added.
In the other matches today, Al Sadd who have 32 points from 13 matches face sixth placed Umm Salal, who have 17 points, while ninth-placed Qatar Sports Club seek to get full points against Al Khor. THE PENINSULA
