A general view of the Al Thumama Stadium, the latest FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue to be inaugurated today. Photo by Abdul Basit © The Peninsula
High-scoring Al Sadd are on course to win Xavi Hernadez’s seventh title as a coach when they take on Al Rayyan in the 49th Amir Cup final at the brand new Al Thumama Stadium today. The 40,000 capacity Al Thumama Stadium will be the latest FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue to be inaugurated when it hosts today's final. The occasion also marks the completion of the sixth tournament-ready stadium after Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali and Al Bayt.
Tickets for today's title clash have been sold out. Top of the QSL with six wins from six already and 26 goals scored, The Wolves are unquestionably the favourites for the title, but head coach Xavi Hernandez waved off claims his side would have an easy ride. Gunning for a recordextending 18th title, the defending champions have dominated Al Rayyan in recent matches.
The Wolves have won five of their last six games against their rivals, with The Lions’ sole victory coming over 18 months ago. The last time both teams met in the Amir Cup final, Al Sadd edged Rayyan 2-1in Xavi’s last game as a player. “I will not say that we are favourites. In a final, there aren’t any,” Xavi told the media during a press conference. “Of course, in the last games, we beat them, but we expect it will be complicated to win this final. In the end, we are ready to compete, we respect them, and that’s why we have to fight.” Xavi also hailed Laurent Blanc and Al Rayyan’s recent signings but stressed he trusts his players can control the “little details” that can win the game, especially in defence. “I would say we are excited to be here; it was a long way to be here. It is a final, and it’s a ‘Clasico,’ and it will be tough. We respect them a lot, especially the coach, who has experience in Europe. They have signed players with top quality like James Rodrigues and Steven Nzonzi. They already have Yacine Brahimi. “But I trust my team, and I think that we are in a good moment, playing well. We will not change our style. Every detail will count, and we cannot commit mistakes. We need to control the emotions because it’s a new stadium opening, and I expect an exciting final,” Xavi said.
On the possibility of winning a seventh title as a coach in a new World Cup stadium, Xavi said, “We have the privilege to open this stadium, and we are lucky. The players are, I would like to play but I cannot. The new stadium is an extra motivation for us for sure. It could be my 7th title as a coach, but I depend on the players. I just put the idea to them, and they execute.” Meanwhile, Al Rayyan have been on a patchy run all season. The Lions have managed just eight goals in the league and have conceded 12, Laurent Blanc’s side have just one win so far. For most Al Rayyan fans, the team’s lackluster displays have been a cause for concern. Against Al Sadd’s offensive weapon of Baghdad Bounedjah, Akram Afif, Hassan Al Haydos, and new signing Andre Ayew, Blanc knows his side must be at their best to have a shot at the title.
“The beginning of the season is not good, but we have had some circumstances. It is not an excuse but a reality. We have had three new players, Ahmed Yasser, James, and Nzonzi. They didn’t play a game in two months, so we need time,” Blanc, a three-time French league winner as coach of PSG, said. “I know the time in football is very short, but we need time to be better. I am sure the players are ready for tomorrow. Al Sadd are a good team. I have said that, and all the other coaches say that. But hopefully, we are ready to fight them for the victory,” he added. Al Rayyan midfielder Abdulaziz Hatem said the slate is clean for both teams. “It’s such an important game for us. It would be difficult, and we hope for a huge showing. Cup games are open for all, and there are no clear favourites. So hopefully, we will have a good game for the fans,” Hatem said.
