Al Sadd are leading the standings with 38 points, four ahead of closest challengers Al Gharafa.
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Stars League (QSL) will resume on Thursday after a brief suspension due to regional unrest, with the title race entering a decisive phase.
The league confirmed yesterday that Round 18 will feature three matches each on Thursday and Friday, with Ramadan kick-off times of 9:30pm remaining unchanged.
Defending champions Al Sadd lead the standings with 38 points, four ahead of closest challengers Al Gharafa. Al Shamal are third on 31 points, a further three points behind the Wolves.
On Thursday, Al Shamal will aim to cut Al Sadd’s seven-point lead when they face Al Wakrah at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Al Wakrah are seventh with 23 points.
Another key fixture on the opening day will see title contenders Al Gharafa take on Qatar SC, who are fifth with 24 points. The match will be played at Al Thumama Stadium.
Relegation-threatened Al Sailiya, 10th with 15 points, will meet Al Duhail at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium the same day. Al Sailiya lead Al Ahli on goal difference and are only one point ahead of bottom side Al Shahania. Al Duhail are eighth with 21 points.
With five matches remaining, Roberto Mancini’s Al Sadd will look to strengthen their grip on top spot when they host Umm Salal at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Friday. Umm Salal are ninth with 16 points and will aim to move further clear of the relegation zone.
Al Rayyan, fourth with 28 points, will seek a return to winning ways after their defeat to Al Gharafa when they host Al Shahania at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday.
In the other match on Friday, sixth-placed Al Arabi (24 points) will face Al Ahli at Al Thumama Stadium.
Meanwhile, QSL’s international players have continued to express confidence in Qatar amid regional tensions.
Al Gharafa’s Spanish forward Alvaro Djalo said the situation in Qatar remains safe, while Palestine international Milad Termanini, who plays for Al Shamal, thanked the State of Qatar “for its consistent support and for the efforts made every day to protect the security and stability of the country and the safety of its people.”
Qatar SC’s veteran Uruguayan forward Sebastian Soria said: “I have lived in Qatar for many years and feel safe, secure and at peace here in Doha with my family. The most distinctive thing about Qatar is the strong sense of one family across the country, something that is felt by citizens, residents and visitors alike.”
