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Tribune News Network
Doha
A win for Al Rayyan on Saturday will take them top of the QNB Stars League – one point ahead of Al Duhail who play Al Gharafa on Sunday.
The QSL which restarted last weekend after a four-moth coronavirus-imposed break, saw leaders Duhail being held to a draw by Umm Salal while Rayyan closed the gap with Duhail to two points after their nervy win over Qatar SC.
Defending champions Al Sadd are further down eight points behind the leaders but have four games left.
The Wolves will be hoping to capitalise on any slip up from the top two.
Al Rayyan face an Al Arabi side who are still reeling from a controversial loss to Al Gharafa last weekend but Diego Aguirre expects a tough challenge from the fifth-placed Dream Team.
“Al Arabi are difficult opponents and they have a good coach so we need to do our job. We are ready for any challenge but need to focus on the games and not think about distractions,” said Aguirre.
The Argentine also played down talks of pressure on his team. “When you are on a big team, you are always under pressure so that’s normal. The preparation for us is the same and nothing changes. The players are in good shape and we know all the games are important. We target the victory because it will take us to the top of the league, so we will play our normal game.”
Meanwhile midfielder and player of the year contender Yacine Brahimi hailed his teammate for making his first season in Qatar easy. The Algerian who has been a bright spark for the Al Rayyan has scored 12 goals for the Lions.
“We know the importance of Saturday’s game so we have to be focused just on us and take it game by game. Each game is like a final for us and we go on Saturday with the same focus.
“This year has been good for me because I have very good teammates and the atmosphere around the club is very nice. My target is to win the league with my club and other successes are a bonus,” Brahimi said.
Also on Saturday, Al Sailiya will hope to get back to winning ways when they take on bottom side Al Shahania at the Al Sadd Stadium.
The peregrines have struggled for goals this season with only 19 and are sixth in the table with 24 points.
On the other hand, Al Shahania, coached by Nabil Anwar – who recently replaced Spaniard Jose Murcia – punched above their weight last week defeating Al Ahli 3-1.
Though still in last place, last weekend’s win moves them one point behind
Al Khor and four behind ninth-placed Qatar SC.
“The Al Shahania team is more than good, they have displayed good performances that do not correspond to their position in the standings,” said Al Sailiya coach Sami
Trabelsi said.
“They have outstanding players. They are coming off a very important victory and have shown a good level during this season. Unfortunately, we lost two important points in the last round against Al Wakrah. We still are affected by the absence of an effective offence,” he added.
Doha
A win for Al Rayyan on Saturday will take them top of the QNB Stars League – one point ahead of Al Duhail who play Al Gharafa on Sunday.
The QSL which restarted last weekend after a four-moth coronavirus-imposed break, saw leaders Duhail being held to a draw by Umm Salal while Rayyan closed the gap with Duhail to two points after their nervy win over Qatar SC.
Defending champions Al Sadd are further down eight points behind the leaders but have four games left.
The Wolves will be hoping to capitalise on any slip up from the top two.
Al Rayyan face an Al Arabi side who are still reeling from a controversial loss to Al Gharafa last weekend but Diego Aguirre expects a tough challenge from the fifth-placed Dream Team.
“Al Arabi are difficult opponents and they have a good coach so we need to do our job. We are ready for any challenge but need to focus on the games and not think about distractions,” said Aguirre.
The Argentine also played down talks of pressure on his team. “When you are on a big team, you are always under pressure so that’s normal. The preparation for us is the same and nothing changes. The players are in good shape and we know all the games are important. We target the victory because it will take us to the top of the league, so we will play our normal game.”
Meanwhile midfielder and player of the year contender Yacine Brahimi hailed his teammate for making his first season in Qatar easy. The Algerian who has been a bright spark for the Al Rayyan has scored 12 goals for the Lions.
“We know the importance of Saturday’s game so we have to be focused just on us and take it game by game. Each game is like a final for us and we go on Saturday with the same focus.
“This year has been good for me because I have very good teammates and the atmosphere around the club is very nice. My target is to win the league with my club and other successes are a bonus,” Brahimi said.
Also on Saturday, Al Sailiya will hope to get back to winning ways when they take on bottom side Al Shahania at the Al Sadd Stadium.
The peregrines have struggled for goals this season with only 19 and are sixth in the table with 24 points.
On the other hand, Al Shahania, coached by Nabil Anwar – who recently replaced Spaniard Jose Murcia – punched above their weight last week defeating Al Ahli 3-1.
Though still in last place, last weekend’s win moves them one point behind
Al Khor and four behind ninth-placed Qatar SC.
“The Al Shahania team is more than good, they have displayed good performances that do not correspond to their position in the standings,” said Al Sailiya coach Sami
Trabelsi said.
“They have outstanding players. They are coming off a very important victory and have shown a good level during this season. Unfortunately, we lost two important points in the last round against Al Wakrah. We still are affected by the absence of an effective offence,” he added.
