Doha: Qatar’s Al Gharafa will look to secure full points against already-advanced Al Hilal SFC in the AFC Champions League Elite at the Kingdom Arena today.
With 13 points already securing their place in the Round of 16, the Saudi giants aim to maintain their stronghold and finish the group stage on a high note, but the Qatari side will aim to boost their chances to advance.
Al Gharafa are currently occupying the eighth and final knockout stage spot in the West Zone.
Speaking ahead of the match, Al Gharafa head coach Pedro Martinez emphasised the importance of today’s clash.
“Making mistakes against a team of the stature of Al Hilal will be ‘forbidden’ for our players,” Martinez said during the pre-match press conference.
Martinez expressed optimism, citing the return of key players, including Aaron Gunnarsson from injury.
“Our chances of qualifying for the Round of 16 in the AFC Champions League Elite are still there. The team has undergone good preparations to face Al Hilal, and we have the capabilities that qualify us to present a good match and achieve victory.”
The four-time Asian champions, however, are almost unbeatable when playing in Riyadh and will head into the tie on the back of a nine-match unbeaten home run on the continental stage, winning seven of those games.
Al Gharafa have only defeated Al Hilal once in their six previous meetings but the Qatari side have to give it their best if they are harbouring hopes of a knockout stage spot.
