Bareiro Stars As Al Rayyan Blank Al Ahli To Reach Amir Cup Final

Doha, Qatar: Adam Bareiro struck twice in the first half as Al Rayyan cruised into the Amir Cup final with a commanding 3-0 victory over Al Ahli at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday.
Bareiro's brace set the tone early in the first semi-final, while Roger Guedes added a third with a spot kick in the closing moments of regular time to seal a dominant display.

Al Rayyan now await the outcome of today's second semi-final between Al Gharafa and Umm Salal to determine their opponents for the May 24 title showdown at Khalifa International Stadium.

“All I know is that we want to take the trophy home,” said Al Rayyan captain Abdulaziz Hatem when asked about his preferred opponents in the final.

“We started the season with ambitions to win silverware, but unfortunately things didn't go our way. Now the Amir Cup is our last chance and we are just one step away. Our fans make us stronger, and we promise to give our best to make them proud.”

Chasing their seventh Amir Cup title – and their first since 2013 – Artur Jorge's side delivered a commanding performance against Igor Biscan's Al Ahli, underlining their intent to end the season with silverware.

The match began with both sides showing urgency, exchanging swift attacking moves in the opening minutes. Al Rayyan, however, soon gained control, with Bareiro looking threatening early on. His initial attempt was brilliantly deflected by Al Ahli defender Matej Mitrovic but the Paraguayan striker would not be denied for long.

In the 30th minute, a well-delivered set-piece by Murad Naji from the right took a slight deflection off a defender and fell kindly for Bareiro, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner with a precise low finish.

Just seven minutes later, Bareiro struck again. A throw-in from Julien De Sart found Ameed M. Mahajneh, whose header into the box allowed Bareiro to double the lead with a close-range finish.

Before halftime, Al Ahli's Marwan Sherif made a crucial intervention to deny Mahmoud Trezeguet from extending the lead further. But Al Ahli continued to struggle in attack, with Erik Exposito missing a rare chance as his effort drifted wide after the break.

Al Rayyan maintained pressure in the second half, with Trezeguet and Gabriel Pereira both testing Al Ahli's defense.

The third and final goal came in 89th minute after Driss Fettouhi fouled Hazem Shehata inside the box. Guedes stepped up and expertly curled his shot into the right corner, sparking celebrations among the Al Rayyan faithful.

It was Al Ahli's second semi-final heartbreak this season, having also suffered a 3-0 defeat to Al Sadd in the Qatar Cup.

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Al Gharafa, Umm Salal set to battle for final berth

Meanwhile, Al Gharafa and Umm Salal are set for an exciting second semi-final today at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.

After knocking out defending champions Al Sadd in a dramatic penalty shootout in the quarter-finals, Al Gharafa are keen to capitalise on their momentum and end their long trophy drought.

“The Amir Cup is now our primary objective, and we're determined to reach the final,” said Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins.“Umm Salal have shown great resilience and tactical discipline to reach this stage. We need to stay focused, minimize errors, and make the most of our strengths.”

Umm Salal's run to the semi-finals has been particularly impressive, especially after narrowly avoiding relegation with a playoff win. Their quarter-final hero was goalkeeper Landing Badji, who saved three penalties to secure a dramatic shootout win over Al Shamal.

Coach Patrice Beaumelle is confident his side can continue their remarkable form.

“Reaching the semi-finals is a testament to our collective effort,” he said.“Al Gharafa are a strong team, but we're well-prepared. Our strategy is to capitalize on offensive transitions and maintain high intensity. Every player is motivated to earn a place in the final and make our fans proud.”

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