Al Sadd's Akram Afif (centre) during team's training session.
DOHA: With just five games remaining in the Ooredoo Stars League (OSL), Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez stressed that each match will be crucial in the title race as his side faces Al Shahania at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium today.
The defending champions are currently in second place with 37 points, just one point behind leaders Al Duhail, who will play fourth-placed Al Ahli tomorrow.
“If we want to get closer to Al Duhail, we must win [against Al Shahania]. That’s the only result that will help us, and we are fully aware of that,” Sanchez said at a pre-match press conference.
“We’re approaching the end of the season, and with only five matches left, every game feels like a final. This will be another crucial match for us.”
Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez speaks during a press conference.
Alongside their domestic ambitions, Al Sadd are also involved in the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16, having drawn 1-1 against UAE’s Al Wasl in the first leg, with the second leg scheduled for Monday.
“We didn’t have enough time to prepare for the match, but we are determined to achieve a strong result,” Sanchez added, acknowledging that Al Shahania will pose a tough challenge.
“It won’t be easy to beat Al Shahania, who have been impressive this season. However, we are focused on continuing our winning momentum.”
Al Sadd come into this match after securing victories over title rivals Al Duhail and Al Gharafa in their last two games, while Al Shahania are coming off a loss to the Red Knights.
Despite the defeat, Al Shahania are in seventh place with 23 points, behind Al Shamal on goal difference, and just one point behind fifth-placed Al Rayyan. They are three points ahead of Al Wakrah and Qatar SC and four points clear of 10th-placed Al Arabi.
Al Shahania coach Jose Murcia said that his team is aiming for a win against Al Sadd by correcting the mistakes made in their match against Al Duhail.
“It’s an important match, and we are ready to face Al Sadd and take all three points,” Murcia said.
“We will play to our strengths, relying on my players to perform strongly against a well-organised team. Our focus will be on collective team play.”
In other matches, Al Rayyan will look to secure maximum points against Al Khor at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, following their 3-1 defeat to Saudi Al Ahli FC in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 on Tuesday.
Al Rayyan face a tough challenge in their bid for a top-three finish in the top flight, sitting five points behind Al Ahli and 10 points adrift of third-placed Al Gharafa, who will take on Umm Salal at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium today.
Bottom-placed Al Khor, with only seven points, will aim to secure a vital win to reduce the gap to Umm Salal, who are in 11th place with 15 points.
OSL Round 18
(Kick off at 9:30pm)
Today
Al Rayyan vs Al Khor at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
Al Shahania vs Al Sadd at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium
Umm Salal vs Al Gharafa at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium
Tomorrow
Al Wakrah vs Qatar SC at Stadium 974
Al Arabi vs Al Shamal at Al Thumama Stadium
Al Duhail vs Al Ahli at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium
