Reigning QSL champions take on Al Gharafa in what promises to be a clash of the QSL’s attacking sides. Al Rayyan have run away with the league this season, however recently they have dropped points drawing with Qatar SC 0-0 and stuttering to their second defeat of the season in round 23 losing to El Jaish.
Head Coach Jorge Fossati stressed his side used the international break efficiently; “We used the time in our best way, the group has trained well and we are optimistic for the final games of the season.”
Al Rayyan go into the tie after suffering only their second defeat of the season, and Jorge Fossati is sure his shuffled side will be going for the win. “It is not easy after winning the league, we are trying the players are doing their best. As I said I will be giving opportunities to players who have not regularly featured this season. They will be giving their best to win this tie” Fossati admitted.
To conclude Fossati had some kind words for his opponents on Friday evening at Al Sadd stadium; “Gharafa are one of the best teams in the league, they have changed their players and they have continued playing good football. This will be a tough game, but Al Rayyan will play with the same mentality to win always.”
For Al Gharafa, they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with Al Sailiya before the international break. Head coach Pedro Caixina had plenty of praise for his opponents.  
“Firstly I would like to congratulate Al Rayyan, and it will be an honour to play Mr Fossati” the Portuguese tactician noted.
This is not the first times the coaches have faced off, with the head coaches playing each other in the Copa libertadores competition. “We have played before, in South America and it is exciting to renew rivalries in this game.”
Gharafa have been training hard in international week and Caixinia is confident his side can get the victory. “We have prepared well for this tie, both teams play attacking football and I am hoping for a exciting game for the fans, I am confident we can get the win.”
Caixinia also had some words for Thamer Jamel, the newly designated right-back who has got two goals in two games for his side. “Jamel is a very competent player, he can attack very well and that is why he is at right-back now. He needs to develop his defensive play but I believe he can be a very useful player for this team.”
With the top 4 out of the equation, the former Santos Laguna coach was eager to use the remaining games as preparation for the domestic cup competitions. “We are now looking at these set of games as preparation for the Emir Cup. Our squad needs to be in the best possible form and these games will be preparations for this phase” he said yesterday morning.
Al Rayyan vs Al Gharafa at Al Sadd Stadium, 8:30pm