Lucca Borges, who joined the Al Rayyan ranks at the start of 2018-19 season, is a vital cog in their machine. The Brazilian plays an influential role for The Lions with his sound technique and skills.

Lucca had a key role in Al Rayyan’s victory over Iran’s Saipa in the AFC Champions League play-off that earned them a berth in the tournament proper and also in their QNB Stars League Week 16 victory over Al Arabi, both last week.

Ahead of Al Rayyan’s Week 17 Qatar Clasico against Al Sadd on Saturday, the 29-year-old forward spoke to QSL Online in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

How have you found the season so far in Qatar?

I see that teams are working more and more to make good games.

How’s the standard of competition in the QNB Stars League?

The level is increasing. That’s great news and good for the country. Also good for professional players. I’m trying to improve more in order to put up good performances.

Very strong teams are preparing more and more. That makes the games very difficult.

How were your previous stints in Brazilian clubs such as Cruceiro, Corinthians and Internacional?

They’re great clubs and it was good for me to play for them. Those stints were, without doubt, incredible experiences!

How do you find playing for Al Rayyan?

I’m feeling very good, very happy. I’m also very eager to be a part of the champion side.

How do you assess Al Rayyan’s performance?

We’ve good statistics, but I’m not satisfied. I always want to improve and help my team.

How do you look forward to the Qatar Clasico? What’s so special about it?

It’s a much-anticipated game. We’ve to be attentive at all times because Al Sadd have players who can make difference any time. I believe that lack of concentration can affect outcome of the match.

What do you think the result will be?

It’s difficult to predict the result. I wish it’ll be a match that fans will like. The more efficient team will win.

Will Rodrigo Tabata’s absence due to suspension affect your chances against Al Sadd?

No doubt, it’s a great loss. He is the one who organises the team and who always wants the ball. That makes a difference. But we believe we can win.

You had lost this season’s first Qatar Clasico. Will you win this time?

We’ve real conditions to win this time.

Do you think Al Rayyan can still win the QNB Stars League this season? Or which team will win it?

There’s a 11-point gap between us and leaders Al Sadd. We’ll try to bag maximum number of points. It’s difficult, but we’ll fight.

This is coach Bulent Uygun’s first Qatar Clasico. How do you view it?

He’s a great coach who is accustomed to those big games. He can implement his ideas on the field and make us perform in the best possible way.

How’s it playing under Bulent compared to that under Argentinian coach Rodolfo (Aurrabarrena)?

They both have different ideas and different styles of functioning. I always try to learn from all coaches.

What’s your message to Al Rayyan’s diehard fans?

Come along with us to support us, we need you! On the field, we’ll do our best to win the game.