Doha [Qatar], February 26: Table toppers Al Sadd will look to take another decisive step towards securing an unassailable lead in Doha Bank Stars League when they face fierce rivals Al Duhail SC in Thursday's exciting clash at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.
The encounter adds another chapter to one of Qatar football's defining modern rivalries, with both sides dominating domestic honours over the past decade and regularly battling for silverware.
Al Sadd arrive in commanding form, sitting top of the standings with four point lead and riding an eight-match winning streak that has strengthened their push for a third successive Qatar Stars League crown.
Coach Roberto Mancini stressed the importance of maintaining focus in what he described as one of the season's toughest fixtures, noting that victories against direct rivals remain crucial in the title race.
"The next match will be very important, like all matches," Mancini said. "If we want to win the league, we must beat teams such as Al Duhail and Al Arabi. We know it will be a difficult game."
He added that clashes between the two sides consistently deliver high intensity and quality, with Al Sadd determined to continue their winning run and move closer to the title.
Captain Hassan Al Haydos echoed his coach's sentiments, expecting a demanding contest as the league enters its decisive phase.
"We expect a strong and difficult match," Al Haydos said. "We are in the final stretch of the league and are targeting three points in every game. We were not at our best against Al Wakrah, especially in the first half, and we must improve. The support of our fans will be very important during this period."
For Duhail, the match represents an opportunity to revive a challenging league campaign. Last season's runners-up currently sit eighth with 21 points following inconsistent results.
Coach Djamel Belmadi expects another closely fought encounter, highlighting the long-standing competitiveness between the two clubs despite their contrasting league positions this season.
"Matches between Al Sadd and Al Duhail are always tight," Belmadi said. "The rivalry reflects the competitiveness between the two teams, and it is difficult to predict how this match will unfold."
Al Duhail enter the fixture without a win in their last three matches, most recently drawing 1-1 with Al Arabi, and will be under pressure to deliver a strong response against the leaders.
Meanwhile, third-placed Al Gharafa will face Al Rayyan at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium in another marquee clash. Al Gharafa are aiming to halt a three-match losing streak that has damaged their title hopes, while fourth-placed Al Rayyan, boosted by a 2-1 win over Al Ahli, will rely on attacking duo Roger Guedes and Aleksandar Mitrovic as they target a move into the top three.
Al Rayyan's coach Arthur Jorge emphasized the importance of the match against Al Gharafa saying, "We expect a great match against one of the most interesting opponents in the league. Certainly, in terms of quality and intensity, we'll have a good game because both teams want to win and play good football. So, we expect a good match between two great teams.
"It's also true that we're going through a good period, not quite enough yet, but it's a very good period. I'm very happy with the players, not only with the performance and results, but also with their commitment. This is the most important thing for me because I can trust the players when they fight like this. It's good for me, the players, and the club to have a team at this moment that is confident, ambitious, and performing well.
"So we are ready and completely focused on ourselves, on what we will do and what we expect from the match. We have only one goal in mind: to win the match and keep the three points."
Regarding facing Al Gharafa at this time, he said: "The way we approach the match will determine whether it is a good moment or a bad one. We must think about ourselves, with the same ambition and the same attitude we have had in recent matches, without thinking too much about the opponents. The way we approach this match will give us the opportunity, or even more opportunities, to keep the three points."
Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins said given the numerous matches played, the focus during training has been on recovery more than anything else.
He acknowledged that the team is going through a negative period, and that they will strive to have a reaction in the upcoming matches and expressed his confidence in the players' ability to return stronger, emphasizing that he knows his team well and is aware of the players' spirit and how they fight for points in every match.He stressed that he is certain that they will return to their previous level.
Elsewhere, Umm Salal host Al Wakrah at Al Khor Stadium, with both sides seeking valuable points. Umm Salal have revived their survival hopes with consecutive wins, while Al Wakrah aim to bounce back after defeat to Al Sadd.
Struggling Al Ahli meet bottom side Al Shahania at the Al Thumama Stadium in a crucial relegation battle, while high-flying Al Shamal take on Qatar seeking a third straight victory, although they will be without suspended striker Baghdad Bounedjah. Round 17 shall conclude with Al Arabi facing Al Sailiya, with both teams eager to recover dropped points.
Source: Qatar Tribune
