From left: Al Shamal coach David Prats and Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini
Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd ended Al Shamal’s dream of a maiden Qatar Stars League title on Monday, and now the Wolves once again stand in their way as David Prats’ side chase first Amir Cup glory.
The two in-form sides met in a decisive final-day league showdown, where Al Sadd edged a thrilling 3-2 contest to seal a third successive league crown in the top flight.
They now renew rivalry in a high-stakes Amir Cup quarter-final at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium today at 8:00pm, with both teams bracing for another intense battle.
Al Shamal coach David Prats said his side will return with renewed focus after the league setback, confident they can challenge the champions again.
“We had hoped to win the league title against Al Sadd a few days ago, but we were not successful. We will work on correcting our mistakes and aim to overcome Al Sadd in a competition different from the league,” Prats said at a press conference.
“I trust my players’ abilities and their capacity to deliver the required effort and performance to help us get past Al Sadd in the quarter-finals.”
“When you play against Al Sadd, it is always a very difficult match and we expect something similar again. We know their capabilities and players, but we are ready for the match, the competition, and to enjoy it.”
Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini, who has overseen the club’s resurgence after a shaky start to the season, acknowledged the challenge as his side continue their bid for a 20th Amir Cup title.
“We will face Al Shamal again, but in a different competition that holds great value for everyone in Qatar. We are ready for this match and aim to secure qualification,” Mancini said.
“Facing Al Shamal is very important as they are an organised team, and we met them just a few days ago in the decisive league match.”
Responding to a query, he added: “All teams in the Amir Cup have a chance to win. It is not just Al Sadd who are favourites.”
Al Rayyan ready for Al Wakrah clash
Al Rayyan, one of the standout teams this season, meet Al Wakrah in their quarter-final at Al Thumama Stadium today at 5:15pm.
After winning the QSL Cup and the Gulf Club Champions League, the six-time champions are chasing a treble. Their last Amir Cup triumph in the competition came in 2013.
“We know the match will be difficult for both sides.Al Wakrah have quality players and a distinguished coach,” said Al Rayyan coach Vicente Moreno.
“We aim to secure the win and qualify for the semi-finals, and we fully understand the importance and prestige of this competition in Qatar.”
Al Wakrah, meanwhile, are still searching for a first Amir Cup crown, but coach Jose Sierra is confident of a strong showing.
“Cup matches are different from league games. Al Rayyan have very talented players and a strong technical staff, and we are ready for this encounter,” said Sierra.
Martins wants strong Al Gharafa defence of title
Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins is expecting a tough test as his side resume their Amir Cup title defence after finishing fourth in the league.
The defending champions meet Umm Salal, relegated from the Qatar Stars League, in their quarter-final at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium at 8:00pm.
“Al Gharafa’s match against Umm Salal will be difficult and a great challenge for us based on our previous meetings in different tournaments, and we must be in a very high technical condition to compete for the title again,” said Martins.
Umm Salal coach Ruben Albes said his side still have motivation despite relegation.
“We are facing a difficult match, and our preparations have been good after closing the league season in which we were relegated to the second division. We still have an opportunity in this tournament to show our full capabilities,” he said.
Al Duhail face Al Arabi challenge
In another quarter-final, Al Duhail meet Al Arabi at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium at 5:15pm.
“The match against Al Arabi is of great importance as it brings together two teams with ambitions to win the coveted title,” said Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi.
Al Arabi coach Cosmin Contra said his team are aiming for a semi-final spot.
“We are all looking forward to winning this prestigious tournament, where every team makes great efforts and the matches bring many challenges,” he said.
