Al Sadd face Al Rayyan in a crucial Week 20 clash (Qatar Clasico) of the 2022-2023 season QNB Stars League at the Al Sadd Stadium on Friday, April 28. The kick-off is at 18:30.

The return leg of the Qatar Clasico, the match is of huge importance to both teams. For Al Sadd, a victory over Al Rayyan would not only provide them three valuable points but also keep the defending champions in contention for a run for the title. As for Al Rayyan, a positive result would prop up their ranking and ensure that they stay away from the relegation zone.

Al Sadd are currently third in the standings with 38 points – behind Al Arabi (43 points) and leaders Al Duhail (45). Al Rayyan are in ninth place with 17 points, with a goal difference from Al Shamal (10th).

Traditionally, the Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan contests have been fiercely contested. This season, the first meeting between these two teams in Qatar Clasico had ended in Al Sadd’s favour 2-1.

Al Sadd have hit top form having recently qualified for the Amir Cup final with a 5-1 win over Al Shahania in the semifinal.

Al Sadd’s Spanish coach Juan Manuel Lillo ‘Juanma’ is well aware of the importance of this confrontation and the three points for his team and therefore will not hesitate to use all his cards for The Wolves to provide their best in this Qatar Clasico match.

Al Sadd are also waiting to find out the extent of the possibility of their Korean professional Jung Woo-Young’s participation in the match since he has been recovering from an injury suffered while playing for his national team in the last international break in March.

Meanwhile, Al Rayyan’s Chilean coach Nicholas Cordova knows very well that the opponents are strong, but he will take into account the importance of this crucial clash and push his players to produce their best.

Al Rayyan rely heavily on their striker Yohan Boli besides their captain Abdulaziz Hatem in the midfield and Sofiane Boufal.