DOHA: Sparks are bound to fly as Al Sadd host Al Rayyan in the highly-anticipated Qatar Clasico today, with both top teams chasing a top spot in QNB Stars League standings.
Al Rayyan, captained by Rodrigo Rabata have 11 points from five matches, and if they will beat Xavi-led Al Sadd they will secure top position at least for a week. Al Sadd and Al Duhail have 10 points each from four matches apiece due to their AFC Champions League quarter-finals.
Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira said the match will produce a lot of fireworks.
“It is going to be a great encounter and I urge all our fans to be at the stadium to cheer us on. Both teams are looking to win in order to take the lead in the standings and the game will be open,” he said ahead of the crunch tie.
“I hope none of our players gets injured due to the fatigue that they suffered of late. Our players are overworked, also due to international commitments, of late. We are careful about fielding the team in good shape for the Qatar Clasico without more injuries. “This season is the best for me with Al Sadd for many reasons, including the harmony between the players in addition to the new players who joined us. We have been winning at the domestic level and also in the AFC Champions League.
“Hassan Al Haydous has been injured since the beginning of the season and we played a lot of games without him. The most important thing now is the balance in the team despite the absences and that is what we are trying to achieve,” said Ferreira.
Al Rayyan coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena also promised A-game from his ranks.
“We are going to play an important game. We will face one of the best teams in the QNB Stars League, which is a strong competition in Asia. We respect Al Sadd, but we will play the game in our style. We hope to succeed.
“I also hope the game will be played in a good atmosphere, true to the sporit of Qatar Clasico, and fans will enjoy the action when both teams will fight it out on the field.
“We are at the top of standings now, which means we have to win the games to stay there. The leaders at this stage need not finish the tournament in the same position.
“I do not have anything to worry about before the game, but I know we’re also going to face one of the best teams in Asia. We know their strengths and weaknesses, but we will primarily focus on our ability. “Our new Brazilian striker Luca is a doubtful starter. So is injured defender Gonzalo Vieira,” said Rodolfo.
