File photo of Al Rayyan’s Rodrigo Tabata.
The QNB Stars League (QSL) fixture between Al Rayyan and Al Arabi today is not just a game between the two sides, the tie is also dubbed as the battle between the fans of the two clubs, known for their passionate supporters.
It is expected to be an electrifying atmosphere at the Al Arabi Stadium, where Al Rayyan will play against the home side, seeking to continue brilliant start to the season.
‘The Lions’ will go into the game as a second-placed side with 15 points. The Diego Aguirre’s side, apart from Al Duhail, is the only team not to lose a game this season.
“Our team is on a high following a series of good results since the beginning of this season. We have to play in the same way in order to achieve the victory against Al Arabi,” coach Aguirre said at a pre-match press conference yesterday.
Aguirre, however, warned Al Arabi will be a difficult side, particularly on their home turf.
“We respect Al Arabi very much. We know that the game will be tough as the opponents have high-quality players and technical staff,” he said.
“This game has a big importance for our team as well as our fans and also Qatar football fans because both teams have a large fan base and a big history of titles,” said Aguirre. Al Arabi also had a decent start to the season, occupying fourth place with 13 points from six games.
Al Arabi coached Heimir Hallgrimsson hoped the fan support would help take the best out of his players in the tough match.
“Al Rayyan are one of the best clubs and we’re playing against a team having outstanding players, such as Yacine Brahimi, Abdulaziz Hatem, Rodrigo Tabata and others,” said Hallgrimsson.
“We know how strong they’re and we’ve a plan to contain their key players. There were only four days between this game and our previous match against Al Gharafa, so players needed to recover well to be ready.
“I hope our fans will continue to support us whatever happens on the field. We prepare the team for every game and I promise that players will fight to get a positive result,” said Hallgrimsson.
Al Arabi player Pierre-Michel Lassoga said: “I think, as the coach said, we’re preparing for a difficult game against a strong team. For me, as a forward, it’ll be more difficult because I’ve to defend with my team-mates, especially since we were unable to score against Al Gharafa although we created many opportunities.”
The match will kick off at 7:30pm after Al Shahania and Al Sailiya will square off at Al Ahli Stadium at 5:20pm.
