The Qatar Stars League returns this Saturday following a brief international break, with the highly anticipated clash between Al Sadd and Al Arabi set to take centre stage at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. The league had been paused during the group stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which took place in Doha earlier this month. With Qatar securing direct qualification, the focus now shifts back to domestic football, as teams look to regain momentum after the hiatus.
Al Sadd’s Struggles and New Leadership
Defending champions Al Sadd have had an uncharacteristically rough start to the season. With just eight points from six games, the Wolves are currently in seventh place, a far cry from their dominant form in recent years. Their record includes two wins, two draws, and two losses, reflecting a lack of consistency in both domestic and continental competitions. A 1-3 defeat to Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League extended their winless run to three matches, prompting the club to part ways with Spanish coach Felix Sanchez. His assistant, Sergio Allegri, has taken over as interim head coach.
Saturday’s derby will mark Allegri’s first match in charge, and it will be a challenging one. “The upcoming match against Al Arabi will be very difficult,” Allegri said on Friday. “They have a new coaching staff, and although their start to the season hasn’t been very good, they have distinguished players, both foreign and local professionals. It’s a tough match, and we must be fully prepared to win. Our goal is to be as close as possible to the top of the table, and that is our main objective this season.”
Al Sadd’s Spanish striker, Rafa Mujica, echoed his coach’s sentiments. “The match against Al Arabi is strong and difficult mainly because it’s always complicated and also special because it’s a derby. We know how difficult it will be, but we’ll give 100 percent and do everything to win.”
Al Arabi’s Leadership Change
Al Arabi, on the other hand, are hoping a change in leadership will revitalise their season. After a series of heavy defeats, including a staggering 1-8 loss to Al Duhail and a 0-4 defeat to Al Sailiya, the Dream Team dismissed Spanish coach Pablo Amo. Romanian coach Cosmin Contra was appointed during the international break to steer the team back on course.
“I am very happy to be joining the Al Arabi coaching team,” Contra said. “Yes, the team is going through a difficult period, but I believe we are capable of overcoming it and moving forward to achieve the best results. We have good players in the team; we just need to regain confidence. The Al Sadd match will be a strong incentive for the players to give their best and achieve a result that will put the team back in the competitive frame of mind.”
Al Arabi defender Alexis Perez is also optimistic: “We are well prepared for the match despite the strength of the opponents. We need to win to regain confidence, and our goal is to come away with the three points. Al Sadd are a strong team, and the match will not be easy, but we must fully adhere to the coach’s instructions in order to achieve the desired result.”
Key Matches in Round 8
Round 8 also features other exciting fixtures. League leaders Al Shamal, who are unbeaten with 14 points from six matches, will face Al Duhail at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. Al Duhail, sitting in sixth with eight points, will look to bounce back after a 3-1 loss to Al Wahda in the AFC Champions League. “We’re fully aware of the importance of facing Al Shamal, the league leaders,” said Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi. “We must cope with the pressure of matches and rely on our prepared players.”
Saturday’s matchups also include Al Ahli hosting Al Gharafa at Al Thumama Stadium. On Friday, Qatar SC will face Umm Salal at Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium, while Al Rayyan will take on Al Wakrah at Saud bin Abdulrahman Stadium, and Al Shahaniya meet Al Sailiya at Al Khor Stadium.
With so many high-stakes matches on the horizon, football fans in Qatar have much to look forward to in the latest round of the Qatar Stars League.
