Al Sadd are currently undefeated in the league this season, and will be aiming to leap frog Lekhwiya to top spot. Wolves head coach Jeslado Ferriera and Qatar international defender Ibrahim Majid spoke to the local media ahead of the tie. 

Opening up the press conference Ferriera noted his was expecting a closely contested game. “Both teams are strong in both defence and attack. Lekhwiya have improved in front of goals  this season and it promises to be a close game. The difference is two points, both teams are suffering from key absences in strikers and we are both looking to win the title.”

Sadd have yet to taste defeat this season, and Ferriera noted that a defeat wouldn't harm his sides title chances. “My side’s aim is to win the title this season, and this will be a big challenge for both teams this week. For me it’s not the crucial game for the championship as we have ten games left after this game. We will look to maintain our performance, I think if we keep at the same level we can come away with a result.”

“The unbeaten run of the side is down to the good work by both the players and the technical staff. The players are already motivated for this big game, and as in any big game it will be the small details that decide the game” noted the Portuguese tactician

Sadd defender Ibrahim Majid concluded the press conference stressing that defensive strength could be key in Sadds game against Lekhiwya. “I think that defensively we have been well organised this season, our concentration has been in over the season and this will continue against Lekhwiya, the team has the motivation to win the game”



Lekhwiya head into the match against rivals Al Sadd on a high following a comprehensive 3-0 win over Al Gharafa. Assistant coach Bruno Olivera and defender Chico Flores spoke to the media ahead of the game. 

Opening up the conference Olivera was expecting a match to savour. "It will be a exciting game on Friday, this is type of game we want to play, and it’s first against second and it’s good for the league and it’s good for the country."

Lekhiwya have been nothing short of relentless in recent weeks and have won eight games on the bouce. Olivera believes his side have improved signidficantly from last season. "We feel that we have been stronger mentally, on the pitch our passion. The fact we did not win the title, certainly will help us however our squad has a winning mentality and they have stepped up this year and it has been shown on the pitch."

The Lekhiwiya assistant coach was also quick to note that the match against Al Sadd could be won in midfield. “This will be a tough battle in midfield. We don’t have any special concerns over individuals in Al Sadd, we will be aiming to play the same way that we have done always over the course of the season.”

Whist Lekhwiya defender Chico Flores noted that he was looking forward in playing compatriot Xavi, the captain of Al Sadd. “I wish Xavi good luck for the season, however in this game we will both be fighting points and I hope that Lekhwiya can win the game.” 

“I have won all of the titles in Qatar the team has been preforming well and I think we deserve to win the league this season, but our aim is to win all the domestic and international competitions that we take part in, including the AFC Champions League” added the Spanish defender when asked about Lekhwiya’s title ambitions this season.