File photo of Al Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah (L) shoots at the goal during the AFC Champions League match against Persepolis at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.
Doha: Coach Nabil Maaloul has urged Al Duhail players to ‘rise to the occasion’ as an in-form Al Sadd look to take the QNB Stars League (QSL) command in a crunch battle on their home turf today.
The match, which was rescheduled due to Al Sadd’s AFC Champions League semi-final against Iran’s Persepolis, has turned out to be a significant game that could play crucial role in battle for the title among the two Qatari football giants.
Defending champions Al Duhail, who are still unbeaten in this QSL season, are leading the points table with 36 points from 14 matches, just a point ahead of Al Sadd, captained by legend Xavi Hernandez. Al Sailiya are third in the standings with 28 points.
The Red Knights, however, looked far from their best last week when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Qatar SC. The Wolves, on the other hand, continued their goal fest thrashing Al Shahania 4-1, after a brace from record-breaking Baghdad Bounedjah (pictured).
Maaloul is aware of what lies ahead for his team at Al Sadd Stadium today, telling his players to give their best in the big game.
“The match has much at stake,” Al Duhail coach said on the eve of the tie.
“This is an important game for both teams and the winners will have an edge in the race to the title,” he added.
Maaloul admitted that his team, which is been hit by injuries, was not at its best last week.
“Our team has a few injury worries and we did not have many options in our last match against Qatar SC, which ended in a draw. I feel our players will rise to the occasion against Al Sadd and prove that we are the leaders not by default.
“There was not much time to prepare for this game but I am hopeful that the players will give their best,” he added.
Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira was expecting a nail-biting match, calling out the Wolves’ fan to come in numbers in support of their team.
“Al Duhail are leading the standings and a victory will give us great incentive,” said Ferreira. “It will be a working day but I hope Al Sadd fans will come and back us in this important match. It is a kind of match that brings the best out from players and I am hopeful the players will give a good show,” the coach said.
Matching oppositions
Both Al Duhail and Al Sadd have proved themselves as the best teams of the season so far.
Both sides are bolstered by quality players whether in defense, midfield or on the front. There is also little to differentiate between their seasoned coaches.
Al Sadd’s Portuguese coach Ferreira has had over 30 years’ experience in the game, and has managed a host of top European sides including the likes of Malaga in Spain and Panathinaikos in Greece.
Maaloul, who replaced Algerian Djamel Belmadi ahead of the 2018-19 season, has an impressive track record in coaching. He guided his country Tunisia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Al Sadd’s attacks will be led by Algerian striker Bounedjah, who last week became the Qatar league’s all-time top scorer in a single season when he took his personal tally to 28 goals after scoring twice against Al Shahania. He surpassed Brazilian striker Clemerson Soares’ record of 27 goals set in the 2007-08 season for Al Gharafa.
Al Sadd also have Hassan Al Haydous and Akram Afif in attack, while their midfield will be held together by Xavi and Gabi Fernandez.
In defence, they have Asia’s best player Abdelkarim Hassan among others. Moroccan striker Yousef El Arabi will spearhead Al Duhail’s offence, in the company of Almoez Ali and Paolo Edmilson. Though they will continue to miss injured midfielder Nam Tae-Hee, they have the services of the likes of Karim Boudiaf and Luis Martin in the middle and Lucas Mendes, Mohammed Mousa and Murad Naji at the back.
Good turn out expected in crucial tie
Tickets sale for the highly-anticipated match, which will kick off at 6:30pm, is under way.
The sale started yesterday while tickets will also be available near the stadium entrance today.
The price of a main stand ticket is QR 10, while the stands on either side of the VIP gallery will cost QR 20. The VIP gallery ticket costs QR 50.
