Al Rayyan, Al Sadd gear up for Qatar Clasico

Doha: Former champions Al Rayyan and in-form Al Sadd are preparing for the highly-anticipated Qatar Clasico which will highlight Round 6 of QNB Stars League beginning tomorrow.

The match between the two football giants will play a crucial in deciding the League leaders at the end of the round.

Al Rayyan, the 2015 champions, leapfrogged to top spot after their victory against Al Arabi last week. ‘The Lions’ have 11 points from five matches, however, they have played one match more than Al Sadd and Al Duhail, who are placed on second and third position respectively.

Al Sadd have 10 points from four matches and are ahead of the defending champions on basis of a better scoring rate.

It will be a huge challenge for Al Rayyan to achieve the desirable results against the Xavi-led side who are in outstanding form these days. ‘The Wolves’ on Monday sealed spot in the semi-final of AFC Champions League after beating Iran’s Esteghlal in the quarter-final. They have scored 21 goals in the QSL so far. Meanwhile, Al Duhail will host Al Gharafa in another thriller of the week. Al Duhail’s Week 5 game against Al Sailiya was also rescheduled due to their AFC Champions League quarter-final second leg against Iran’s Persepolis, which they lost.

The Red Knights have the home advantage. However, Al Gharafa will look to be back on the winning path after suffering defeat at the hands of Umm Salal in Week 5.

Umm Salal will be eager to break into the top four when they face Al Kharaitiyat. Umm Salal have the same number of points (seven) as Al Gharafa, but are placed seventh on goal difference.

The Thunders are the only team yet to earn a point and who lost all their matches.

Sixth-placed Al Sailiya are up against Al Ahli, who collected valuable three points against Al Kharaitiyat in the previous round. On the opening day of Round 6, Qatar SC take on Al Khor while Al Shahania will meet Al Arabi.

Al Shahania are eighth with seven points, whereas Al Arabi are fifth on nine points.