Al Sadd’s players take part in their final training session on the eve of today’s Sheikh Jassim Cup clash against Al Duhail.
Al Sadd will be looking to continue their winning momentum when they meet domestic rivals Al Duhail in the Sheikh Jassim Cup today.
The QNB Stars League Champions, will be looking to secure their first title of the season at their home grounds in the final against Amir Cup winners Al Duhail.
Coach Xavi Hernandez’s side will surely have the upper hand against Rui Faria-coached team in the one-off final as they are fresh off a double victory against the Red Knights. The two wins cleared Al Sadd’s path towards the AFC Champions League quarter-finals with a 4-2 aggregate few days ago.
That also means Xavi’s men will also be looking for their third win against Al Duhail in just 11 days.
Xavi, who took over the duty of coaching the side which he captained since 2015, believes the Red Knights will be out for revenge today.
“We qualified for the Champions League quarter-final but we face Duhail again. It will be more difficult because they’ll want to take revenge and football gives opportunities like this.”
“If we don’t give our 100 percent, we won’t be able to win titles. We managed to reach the next stage in the Champions League because we were able to do just that. And so, we need to keep giving our best in the Super Cup in order to win the title,” Xavi said during a press conference on Thursday.
On the other hand, Faria said his men are not seeking revenge, but will be looking to secure the title.
“My team is hurt for sure. We are used to winning but the fact that we were knocked out of the Champions League doesn’t change our mentality. My team would want to do their best anyway not because of the loss but because they want to compete. I’ll be worried if they don’t think that way but it’s not about revenge,” Faria said.
In today’s blockbuster final, which is also the domestic season opener, Al Sadd will be without their key striker Baghdad Bounedjah and defenders Hamed Ismail and Tareq Salman who are serving suspensions.
Al Duhail will play without their main striker Almoez Ali as well as Mehdi Benatia who is recovering after a knee surgery.
Al Rayyan won the previous edition of the tournament after beating Al Duhail 6-4. Al Sadd is the most successful team in the tournament’s 42-year history with 14 trophies.
Today’s match kicks off at 7:00pm.
