(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Qatar Cup semi-finals will be played today with last season's top four clubs in action. Al Sadd take on Al Rayyan in a blockbuster first semi-final at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, before reigning QNB Stars League champions Al Duhail face Al Gharafa at the same venue. Al Rayyan and Al Sadd are the strong contenders and traditional rivals. The match brings together the second (Al Rayyan) and third-placed (Al Sadd) teams in the 2019-20 season QNB Stars League.
The matches between Al Rayyan and Al Sadd, be it in the league or cup tournaments, always evoke keen interest on and off the field. Both teams have star-studded line-ups as well as large and loyal fan bases. But undoubtedly Al Sadd will go into the match as the overwhelming favourite for the title. Xavi Hernandez's men currently lead the league table by a whopping 13 points over rivals Al Duhail.
On the eve of the match, Xavi admitted his side were clear favourites but urged his players not to take any game lightly and called on them to win all the tournaments.
'Al Sadd are going through very special moments in the league and we are close to winning the title. We want to win all tournaments this season and if we play at the same level as we've done in the league, it'll be difficult to beat Al Sadd in the Qatar Cup semi-final. But we must show humility because Al Rayyan have developed a lot under coach Laurent Blanc, the former Barcelona midfielder said yesterday.
'The match won't be easy and I see it as a final before the actual final. Qatar Cup matches are always different from the league. I'm very proud of our teamwork this season and I'm always keen on motivating the players to constantly give their best because relaxation is the best way to lose form or fitness, the Spaniard added.
Xavi praised Baghdad Bounedjah, singling out the Algerian striker for his work ethic. 'Baghdad Bounedjah, for example, is doing an amazing job and he's one of the best attackers in Asia, not only in Qatar. He attacks, passes, defends as well and enjoys the game. He has scored 18 goals this season and he always works with humility, he said.
'Though the players are working for the team and we're on the right path, the truth is that I'm very lucky to have these players. Such players give the coach an opportunity to push them more. The Qatar league isn't easy at all. Our ambition is to win the AFC Champions League, but there is the Amir Cup and Qatar Cup before that and we'll fight to win all of them, added Xavi.
Meanwhile, Rayyan, who lost to Al Duhail in QNB Stars League last week, will be keen to make amends against Al Sadd. However, coach Laurent Blanc acknowledged the huge task on hand.
'I can confidently say that my team will work hard to achieve victory over Al Sadd. I hope that the team will be at its best in this difficult match. Qatar Cup matches are always full of excitement and there's no room for complacency. Either you win and continue the journey, or you lose and exit the competition, the Frenchman said.
'We aren't a weak team, but we won't claim that we're better than other teams as Al Sadd and Al Duhail are the only two teams that can be deemed to be better than others. Personally, I would've liked to face Al Sadd and Al Duhail but not now, but rather later because we still have to work a lot until the desired results are achieved, Blanc added.
Meanwhile, Al Duhail and Al Gharafa face-off promises to be an exciting contest. Al Duhail are currently placed second in the league table, while Gharafa are fourth. Duhail are in good form having beaten Rayyan in the league last week after they had finished fifth in the FIFA Club World Cup held in Qatar.
The Red Knights coach Sabri Lamouchi said the Qatar Cup was an important tournament and his team was looking forward to winning it. 'It will be a difficult match against Al Gharafa. This is our first cup competition after our participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. We're expected to do well and reach the final of the Qatar Cup. This is an important assignment and we're looking forward to winning it. In order to achieve this, we've to be on top of our game and focus, he said.
Meanwhile, Al Gharafa coach Slavisa Jokanovic said: 'Facing Al Duhail will be exciting. It's an opportunity to reach the final of the tournament and be crowned the champions. Al Duhail have made a strong comeback recently, therefore playing against them won't be easy at all. Although we weren't at our best level in the last match against Al Sailiya in the league, this match is a good opportunity to compensate for that poor show and provide better results and qualify for the final.
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