Al Rayyan and Al Sadd will fight it out in the 2018-19 season QNB Stars League second leg’s high-profile Qatar Clasico on Saturday, 23rd February. The kick-off is at 19:10 at the Al Sadd Stadium.

The Clasico is a unique event that draws the interests of all those who love the game, especially the players and fans of both teams.

Al Sadd is the leader among Qatari clubs in terms of titles won and achievements made at the national, regional and continental levels, while Al Rayyan have been a major force on Qatar’s football scene.

The Qatar Clasico is not only important for these two clubs, but also for the Qatar Stars League, which is putting in every effort towards making it a grand success. Such a competition undoubtedly helps raise the level of teams involved as well as the league.

As in all major leagues, Qatar Clasico is an occasion to highlight both teams, participating stars, the league and, of course, the sponsors. This fiesta attracts all football fans, nationals and expatriates alike. The huge attendance at the Al Sadd Stadium will just be the icing on the cake.

This Clasico assumes more significance as it comes against the backdrop of Qatar’s outstanding achievement of winning the Asian Cup.

It also comes as both teams are on a high after winning in the last round, Al Sadd defeating Al Ahli 6-2 and Al Rayyan beating Al Arabi 3-1.

Al Sadd continued to lead the table with 41 points even as Al Rayyan leaped from fourth to third position with 30 points with the victory.

Al Sadd have 13 wins, two draws and one defeat against them to have a goal difference of +55 (71 goals for and 16 against). Al Rayyan have won eight matches, drawn six and lost two. The Lions’ goal difference is +10 (25 goals for and 15 against).

Al Sadd may be without injured Xavi Hernandez and Boualem Khoukhi, but they have the likes of Baghdad Bounedjah, Akram Afif, Pedro, Hassan Al Haydous, Hamed Ismail, Abdulkarim Hassan, Tareq Salman and Salem Al Hajri.

Al Rayyan will miss suspended captain Rodrigo Tabata. However, they will have the services of Venezuelan Rivas, Brazilian Luka, South Korean Koh Myong-Jin and Sebastian Soria.