Al Rayyan's players during a training session ahead of ‘Qatar Clasico’.
There could hardly be a better scenario for the battle between country’s football giants Al Rayyan and Al Sadd – dubbed the ‘Qatar Clasico’.
Both teams will clash at the Al Sadd Stadium tomorrow with plenty at stake in the crucial match.
A victory for former champions Al Rayyan – placed second in the standings with 35 points – will keep their pursuit of points leader Al Duhail (39 points) on track, while a win for reigning champions Al Sadd (32 points) will help them leapfrog to second spot as both sides have the same goal difference.
Aware of the importance of the crunch tie, the two title contenders will come to their Round 17 clash of the QNB Stars League (QSL) well prepared after days of intense training.
Al Rayyan defeated Xavi-coached Al Sadd 4-2 in the first leg but for the ‘Lions’ coach Diego Aguirre past result will not make any difference.
“The match against Al Sadd is one of the big games that I like. I love the challenge in it. We are ready and we will play with winning mentality,” said Aguirre ahead of the highly-anticipated tie.
“Beating Al Sadd in the first leg of Clasico is a thing of the past. Such matches are always very difficult,” he added.
Al Rayyan coach said the title race is not in his mind as all his team’s focus will be to collect full points in tomorrow’s clash.
“Actually, I do not focus on the race for title. Our focus is on how to face Al Sadd, achieve victory and get the three points,” he said.
“About the absences in Al Sadd due to injuries, I would say however good players they are, that will not affect them because they will have good replacements. We have to be at our best level if we want to win and collect points,” said Aguirre.
Al Rayyan defender Gabriel Mercado said: “The Al Sadd match is important because if we win it, we will continue in the title race with Al Duhail. I am happy with my experience with Al Rayyan. I long to be in my best condition and help Al Rayyan achieve their goals, most notably the league shield.”
Meanwhile, Al Sadd’s Pedro Miguel said his team is looking forward to a winning performance in the important match.
“Clasico is Clasico. It’s amazing and, at the same time, difficult. We’re game for it and we hope to take three points from it,” said Miguel before adding that playing against Al Rayyan gives extra motivation to the players.
“It’s special in so many aspects. There’ll be capacity crowd with a lot of fans from either side attending the stadium. That’s an extra motivation for the players as well,” he said.
“Our preparations started on Monday. Everyone at the club is focused on this game. These kind of matches don’t happen every week and we very much look forward to it,” said Miguel.
The match will kick off at 7:05pm.
