Al Rayyan's Yacine Brahimi during a practice session following his return to action.
A tie between Al Rayyan and Al Arabi always grabs attention of the fans. It is not just a match between the two teams but also considered as a battle between die-hard supporters of the two Qatari clubs with largest fan base.
Both sides will lock horns tomorrow in a marquee Week 8 clash at the QNB Stars League, needing win to put their campaigns back on track after shaky starts to the new season.
Al Rayyan, who finished runners-up in the last season, are placed fifth after earning 11 points from three victories, two draws and as many defeats. Al Arabi are struggling on 10th position in the standings with five points, which they have earned from one victory and two draws.
Ahead of a crucial fixture, Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre - who is on his way out - said his team must defeat Al Arabi to join the race of title contenders.
“We will play Al Arabi with our best side. We will treat this as a final, given the team’s need to win and return to compete for the top position in the league,” Aguirre told a pre-match press conference yesterday.
Despite his team’s better position against Al Arabi in the current standings, the Al Rayyan coach admitted tomorrow’s clash at Al Ahli Stadium will be a tough challenge for his side.
“The match will be very difficult, especially since it has a historical significance for the fans of two sides. This match will have a special rhythm and we will strive to achieve victory.
"We must give everything we have in order to win. During my life in the Qatari league, there has been no easy match. All confrontations are difficult, especially the ones against Al Arabi,” said Aguirre before adding Amir Cup finalists Al Arabi will give a strong performance in tomorrow’s match.
“We must focus and present our best during the 90 minutes. Al Arabi will certainly seek a win too and such types of matches do not depend on prior expectations but are decided by effort and work all the time,” Aguirre said yesterday.
Al Sadd are leading the QSL standings 8 points clear of Al Rayyan, followed by Al Ahli (16), Al Gharafa (15) and reigning champions Al Duhail, who are one points ahead of the Lions.
Aguirre was hopeful of his team’s turnaround in the standings after tomorrow’s match.
“We are ready to play to get three points like we do when we come to the ground for any other match. We want to continue to fight to get to the top of the table,” he said.
Meanwhile, Al Rayyan midfielder Franck Kom said his team has the potential to collect full points against Al Arabi provided all players give their best.
“What is important for us is to get the three points because we need these points. Yes, we can win. All players will have to give 100 per cent or more to win so we will play with our best side,” the Cameroonian star, accompanying coach Aguirre, said yesterday.
“(Yacine) Brahimi’s absence in the last two matches was felt although we played well. All players offer what they have in team game, but he is an addition to the team,” he added.
Meanwhile, Algerian international Ayoub Ezzi attended the Al Arabi team training for the first time on Saturday while awaiting official registration in the team’s list as a professional instead of the Tunisian Hamdi El Harbawi, it was reported yesterday.
Al Arabi are hoping to bolster the defense line alongside Spaniard Marc Monesa.
The Al Arabi team, coached by Icelandic Heimir Hallgrimsson, continued preparing for the key clash against Al Rayyan.
The match kicks off at 7:45pm.
