Doha, Qatar: Al Duhail SC will host reigning champions Al Sadd SC today in a highly anticipated Qatar Stars League (QSL) clash, with both arch-rivals bracing for another chapter in one of Qatar’s fiercest football rivalries.

Whenever these two heavyweights meet, form often counts for little. Their encounters traditionally deliver intensity, quality and drama and today’s showdown at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium promises nothing less.

Al Sadd head into the clash as clear favourites. They have opened a four-point lead at the top after putting together a nine-match winning run, reinforcing their control of the title race in the second half of the season.

By contrast, Al Duhail have endured a season below their usual lofty standards, sitting eighth with 21 points, 14 behind the leaders.

Yet history suggests the Red Knights cannot be underestimated. The first-leg meeting between the two sides ended in a goalless draw, a reminder of how fine the margins can be when these giants collide.

Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini, who engineered a strong resurgence after a shaky start to the campaign, expects another stern examination.

Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini

“I think a match between Al Sadd and Al Duhail is an important match in Qatar every year, and that is why I think it will be a very good match,” Mancini said at the pre-match press conference.

“Our goal is to keep winning in order to get closer to winning the title.”

Al Sadd captain Hassan Al Haydous echoed his coach’s sentiments, stressing the importance of maintaining focus in the decisive stretch of the season.

“We are aiming for three points in every match. We are fully aware of the responsibility to deliver our best performance against Al Duhail,” he said.

The clash also serves as vital preparation for continental commitments, with Al Duhail set to face Al Ahli Saudi FC and Al Sadd taking on Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 next week, adding further edge to an already high-stakes match.

Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi

Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi acknowledged the magnitude of the fixture and the fierce competitiveness that has defined the rivalry over the years.

“Over the last 15 seasons, you will notice the close results between the two teams, but we have managed to win eight titles while Al Sadd have won six, which reflects the clear competitiveness in matches between the two teams,” Belmadi said.

“We do not know the nature of the game, whether it will be a cautious or open affair, but it is impossible to predict easily in such high-stakes matches.”

Midfielder Boubakary Soumare added that the squad is building momentum at the right time.

“We are now starting to get into the swing of things and prepare for the Al Sadd match. Of course, all matches are tough, especially the upcoming match against Al Sadd, which has a special competitive edge,” he said.

Martins confident as Al Gharafa face Al Rayyan

In another crucial QSL fixture today, Al Gharafa SC host Al Rayyan SC at Thani bin Jassim Stadium.

Al Gharafa have slipped from the top spot after suffering three consecutive defeats and are now level on points with Al Shamal, four adrift of leaders Al Sadd. The dip has intensified pressure ahead of a decisive phase in the title race.

Coach Pedro Martins admitted his side are navigating a difficult spell but remains optimistic about their response.

“We are going through a negative period, and with the many matches in the past 40 days, our focus in training has been on recovery,” Martins said.

“It’s an important game against a team with big ambitions. They have been our direct rivals since the start of the season, and every remaining match is like a final for us.

“I am confident in my players and their spirit. I’m sure we will return to our level.”

Al Rayyan approach the contest buoyed by momentum after a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Al Ahli in their previous outing. Currently fourth in the standings, they sit just three points behind both Al Gharafa and Al Shamal, keeping them firmly in the hunt as the QSL season heads into a potentially decisive stretch.

QATAR STARS LEAGUE FIXTURES 

Week 17 (kick-offs at 9:30pm) 

Today

Al Gharafa vs Al Rayyan at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium

Al Duhail vs Al Sadd at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium

Tomorrow

Umm Salal vs Al Wakrah at Al Khor Stadium

Al Ahli vs Al Shahania at Al Thumama Stadium

On Saturday

Al Shamal vs Qatar SC at Al Shamal Sports Club

Al Arabi vs Al Sailiya at Al Thumama Stadium