Al Sadd players attend a training session ahead of Qatar Clasico
Doha, Qatar: The spotlight will firmly be on the Qatar Clasico tomorrow as Al Sadd host arch-rivals Al Rayyan at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in one of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) season.
Regardless of current form, the Clasico always brings out the best in both the popular clubs with Al Sadd and Al Rayyan never failing to deliver drama and passion when they meet.
Al Sadd, who won both legs against Al Rayyan last season, have struggled in their title defence this year. The reigning QSL champions are languishing in seventh place with just eight points from seven matches - nine behind leaders Qatar SC.
The Wolves view the Clasico as a perfect chance to reignite their campaign after suffering a 1-3 defeat to Al Arabi in their previous outing.
“We are going through a difficult period and it has been a while since we achieved any victory. We do not know exactly what the problem is. The fans support the team, and we must return in better shape,” Al Sadd’s goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham said after the loss to Al Arabi.
Al Sadd are currently under interim coach Sergio Alegre, who stepped up following the club’s decision to part ways with Felix Sanchez amid the team’s slump. Under Alegre, the side has yet to find form, losing 1-3 to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the AFC Champions Elite before the setback against Al Arabi.
Al Rayyan, meanwhile, are enjoying a more stable run under coach Artur Jorge. They moved up to fourth place with 13 points after a convincing 2-0 victory over Al Wakrah in their last match.
Palestinian defender Mohammed Saleh said the team has its sights firmly set on the title.
“We are on the right track to competing for the league title this season, and that is what we are working toward in the next phase. We hope to see massive fan support for the team,” he said following the win over Al Wakrah.
Earlier tomorrow, the first fixture of the round between in-form sides Al Gharafa and Al Duhail promises to be another intriguing battle at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium.
Al Gharafa, sitting second on the table with 16 points, defeated Al Ahli in their previous game while Al Duhail ended Al Shamal’s unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory to climb to fifth place.
Meanwhile, table-toppers Qatar SC will aim to extend their unbeaten streak when they meet Al Wakrah on Friday, following the day’s opener between Al Arabi and Al Shahania.
On Saturday, Al Sailiya take on Al Ahli while third-placed Al Shamal - on 14 points - will look to bounce back against Umm Salal.
