Al Gharafa's Yacine Brahimi during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Stars League (QSL) resumes today with Round 18 matches after a brief suspension caused by regional tensions, as teams return to action for the decisive phase of the season.
The pause resulted in the postponement of two Round 17 fixtures - Qatar SC vs Al Shamal and Al Arabi vs Al Sailiya - which have now been rescheduled for April 7.
Three matches will be played today with simultaneous kick-offs at 9:30pm, with Ramadan timings remaining unchanged.
Al Gharafa aim for victory over Qatar SC
Title contenders Al Gharafa will face Qatar SC at Al Thumama Stadium in one of the key fixtures of the evening. Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins said his team had managed to maintain good physical condition during the break.
“I can confirm that the players are ready for the game. Despite the current regional circumstances, the stability in Qatar has allowed the team to continue carrying out the training sessions set by the coaching staff, following the schedule at their home gyms,” Martins said at the pre-match press conference yesterday.
“Over the last three days, training has become much more regular for the team as a whole, especially since some players were feeling fatigued after the break.”
Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins speaks during a press conference.
Second-placed Al Gharafa trail defending champions Al Sadd by four points, with the leaders sitting on 38 points. Martins said his side will approach the remaining matches with a final-like mentality.
“As I have said before, we are treating the remaining matches as finals. The match against Qatar SC is very important, just like the recent matches we have played, and we must make every effort to secure the three points.”
Qatar SC, currently fifth with 24 points - four behind fourth-placed Al Rayyan - are also determined to strengthen their push for a top-four finish.
“Al Gharafa will be a difficult opponent,” said Qatar SC assistant coach Miguel Andreu.
“We have reached a crucial stage of the league and every match now is extremely valuable for us. Our objective is to win and take the three points while continuing our positive run.”
Al Shamal look to maintain title challenge
At Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, third-placed Al Shamal, who have collected 31 points with a game in hand, will take on Al Wakrah as they look to keep the pressure on leaders Al Sadd.
“We are expecting a tough match against a strong team which, in my opinion, is one of the best sides in the league,” said Al Shamal coach David Prats.
Qatar SC assistant coach Miguel Andreu
“They have top-level players with excellent abilities and are guided by a competent coaching staff. We have trained hard over the past period and are ready for the match, which we know will not be easy like all league games.”
Al Wakrah sit seventh with 23 points, and their coach Vicente Moreno said his team is ready to rise to the challenge.
“We hope the team will be able to overcome the challenge of Al Shamal and achieve the desired result. Naturally, our objective is to collect the three points and I am confident the team has prepared well,” Moreno said.
Al Duhail seek to climb standings
Meanwhile, the match between Al Duhail and Al Sailiya at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium is also expected to be closely contested, with both teams targeting crucial points.
Former champions Al Duhail are looking to climb up the standings and currently sit eighth with 21 points.
“Of course, the match against Al Sailiya is crucial for us and we need the three points to move up the table,” said Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi.
“We know the match will not be easy given the circumstances our opponents are facing in their fight against relegation, and they are also determined to win.”
Al Sailiya are 10th with 15 points, edging Al Ahli on goal difference and sitting just one point ahead of bottom side Al Shahania in the relegation battle.
“The team is entering the match with high morale and full preparation,” said Al Sailiya coach Mirghani Al Zain.
Qatar SC's Ahmed Al-Rawi trains ahead of the match.
“The training sessions have been very positive, with great discipline and commitment from the players. Our main objective is to achieve victory and secure the three points. I have complete confidence in the players and their ability to deliver the expected performance.”
The remaining Round 18 fixtures will be played tomorrow, with Al Ahli taking on Al Arabi at Al Thumama Stadium. Al Rayyan will face Al Shahania at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, while Al Sadd host Umm Salal at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
