Doha: Qatar Stars League (QSL) leaders Al Rayyan have begun preparations for Friday’s crunch match of Round 20 against Lekhwiya.
The Al Rayyan squad went straight into training without a rest, after defeating Al Arabi 2-0 in the round 19 derby match.
With head coach Jorge Fossati eager to push his side to lift the QSL title at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Monday evening training session saw the whole squad training, including new signing Fabio Cesar, who had been absent for a number of weeks on account of injury. The team went through their usual technical and physical drills.
Al Rayyan are currently 17 points clear ahead of second placed Lekhwiya, and know that if results in other matches go their way they could be crowned QSL league champions.
The match promises to be one of the most interesting clashes of Round 20 of the QSL.
Here is a look at the previous matches between these two giants of Qatari football.
Both sides are currently equal in terms of performance ahead of their tenth direct encounter in the QSL.
Both teams have met on nine occasions including this season’s first leg fixture.
In the first leg of the 2010/2011 season, the first match between the sides Lekhwiya defeated Al Rayyan by three goals to one.
Whilst in the second half of the season Al Rayyan gained the upper hand defeating Lekhwiya 2-1.
Lekhwiya defeated Al Rayyan again in the first leg of the 2011/2012 season 2-1.
Al Rayyan fought second leg match securing a 3-1 victory.
Al Rayyan continued their superiority during the first leg of the 2012/2013 season with a 3-1 win.
During the second leg, Lekhwiya fought back sinking Al Rayyan 3-0.
The 2013/2014 season witnessed the first and only goalless draw between both sides. Whilst in the second leg Lekhwiya prevailed winning 2-0.
With the return of Al Rayyan to the Qatar Stars League in 2015/2016 season, meant a renewal of rivalries.
The first match of this season ended in a 3-1 with goals from Victor Caceres, Sergio Garcia and Sebastian Soria scoring the third against his former club. Lekhwiya scored their goal through Tunisian midfielder Youseff Msakni.
The Peninsula
