Doha [Qatar], April 27: Al Sadd and Al Shamal will meet in the final round 'title clash', at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday at 7.30pm, which will decide the winners of the 2025-26 season Doha Bank Stars League.
With only two points separating Al Sadd (42pts) and Al Shamal (40), it is a winner-takes-all battle and Al Shamal will need to put in their all for their hopes of winning a history-making maiden QSL title.
Playing on their home turf, Al Sadd would be gunning for a third successive and overall eighteenth Qatar Stars League title.
Looking at the scenario, Al Sadd's Italian coach Roberto Mancini said, "We were five points ahead and now the gap has narrowed to two. Our focus is on achieving victory. We know the match will be very difficult because Al Shamal play good football, but our goal is to win this game.
"When I took over the team, we were eight points behind league leaders Al Gharafa and now we are in first place. I think we have done a very good job, thanks to our players, who possess great talent and high professionalism.
"We hope our fans will come to the stadium in large numbers because this is a very important match. We are playing for the title and we are waiting for them at the stadium," added said Mancini.
Al Sadd star Roberto Firmino said, "Al Shamal are a very good team and they have shown throughout the season that they play excellent football. We are aware of the magnitude of the challenge.
"We have to focus on our own performance, give our best and strive for victory and, of course, the title.
"It will be a big match because we need to win and they also need to win to clinch the title. It is expected to be a special game. We hope to perform at our best, secure the three points, and lift the trophy."
While Al Sadd have gone from strength to strength in terms of results in the league, Al Shamal floundered after being in a commanding situation as they lost to Umm Salal and Al Shahania.
Their protest against Qatar SC (after the postponed Week 17 game) was upheld by QFA's disciplinary committee and the three points fetched thereof saw them set up the title clash with Al Sadd.
With all to play for, Al Shamal coach David Prats underlined the fact, saying, "There is no doubt that the Al Sadd match is the most important match for us this season, in which we aspire to achieve our dream and make history by winning the league title for the first time in Al Shamal's history.
"We are now facing a very important moment and we must be ready for it while not putting undue pressure on ourselves. Our task will certainly be difficult against a prestigious club and a great team like Al Sadd.
"I have great confidence in the Al Shamal players and their ability to shoulder the immense responsibility placed upon them. Everyone will exert his utmost effort to achieve the desired goal, bring joy to our fans and fulfil the ambitions of the club management," said Prats.
Al Shamal player Mohammed Waad said, "The Al Sadd match is difficult and extremely important. We have a tremendous opportunity to make history by winning the league title for the first time in Al Shamal's history. We want to make history in the most significant way, especially since our opponents are very strong and a club with a history of championships. I have previously won six or seven titles with Al Sadd."
Bottom-placed teams in battle to avoid relegation play-off
Meanwhile on Monday, as many as four teams - Al Shahania (20pts), Umm Salal (20pts), Al Sailiya (22pts) and Al Ahli (23pts) will be playing their respective matches looking to gain maximum points to steer away from the danger of finishing twelfth.
Al Shahania face Al Gharafa at the Al Bayt Stadium, who having lost their chance in the race for the title are now looking to secure a top-four finish amidst competition from other teams.
Umm Salal and Al Ahli will clash at Stadium 974. It is an all-to-play for game for either sides given their battles to rise higher in the standings and escape relegation. Al Ahli are currently in ninth place in the standings with 23 points, and aiming for a positive result to secure their position.
Meanwhile, Umm Salal, in second last and 11th place with 20 points are in a do-or-die situation needing a win to keep their hopes of staying in the league and avoiding relegation play-off.
Qatar Stars League
Week 22 Schedule
5.15pm: Umm Salal vs Al Ahli (at 974 Stadium); Al Rayyan vs Al Arabi (at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium); Al Gharafa vs Al Shahania (at Al Bayt Stadium); Al Wakrah vs Al Sailiya (at Al Thumama Stadium0; Qatar SC vs Al Duhail (at Khalifa International Stadium).
7.30pm: Al Sadd vs Al Shamal (at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium)Doha Bank Stars League Final Round Matches Today
Source: Qatar Tribune
