Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre and defender Gabriel Mercado spoke to the media ahead of their 2019-20 QNB Stars League Week 17 match against Al Sadd.

“The match against Al Sadd (Qatar Clasico) is one of the big games that I like. I love the challenge in it. We are ready and we will play with winning mentality.

“Beating Al Sadd in the first leg of Clasico is a thing of the past. Such matches are always very difficult.

“Actually, I do not focus on the race for title. Our focus is on how to face Al Sadd, achieve victory and get the three points.

“About the absences in Al Sadd due to injuries, I would say however good players they are, that will not affect them because they will have good replacements. We have to be at our best level if we want to win and collect points,” said Aguirre.

Mercado said, “The Al Sadd match is important because if we win it, we will continue in the title race with Al Duhail. I am happy with my experience with Al Rayyan. I long to be in my best condition and help Al Rayyan achieve their goals, most notably the league shield.”