Al Sadd eye history, last chance for Al Duhail

Doha, Qatar: Xavi Hernandez and co would be looking for a victory against Al Duhail SC on Saturday to seal the QNB Stars League title, for their first triumph after the 2012-13 season, but it won’t be easy for the record-breaking 13-time champions.

Duhail, formerly known as Lekhwiya, have dominated the domestic football winning six league titles since making their debut in 2010-11.

Last season they were almost unplayable and won a domestic treble and were going great guns in the Champions League as well before injuries derailed their campaign.

It has been a slightly different story this season for them, as a change in coaching reins and injuries to key players made it difficult to find their rhythm.

Sadd, meanwhile, were reaping rewards for keeping their faith in Jesualdo Ferreira who took charge in 2015.

That the Portuguese had topclass players such as Xavi, Gabi, Baghdad Bounedjah, Akram Afif and Abdelkarim Hassan also helped them.

Sadd always had their noses in front in the title race, but they got a firm grip with a victory against the two-time defending champions in December.

But Duhail had strengthened considerably since that defeat.

Rui Faria took the coaching reins from Nabil Maaloul while they added Medhi Benatia, arguably the most high profile Arab player in the region and Japanese star Nakajima Shoya.

Although Faria took a while to get going — a goalless draw against Al Gharafa further dented their chances in the league — big victories against Al Ahli and Umm Salal in the league and a 3-0 blanking of Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League would give Duhail the confidence despite their defeat to Al Hilal.

On the other hand, Sadd have been flying.

Bounedjah have been in sensational form, breaking records and scoring goals as if it’s the easiest job in the world.

Bounedjah has 35 goals to his name and Akram Afif has given him good support, scoring 23 himself.

Their midfield where Xavi pulls the strings along with his compatriot Gabi and South Korean Jung Woo-young has been flawless while the defence featuring the versatile Boualem Khoukhi, Tarek Salman, Pedro, Hamad Ismael and Hassan has been a rock.

Ferreira said that Sadd deserve the title for his players have been in outstanding form throughout the season.

“Our players are at the highest level and I think it is time to win the league. We deserve it after the outstanding performance they have put on throughout the season,” said Ferreira.

“We are ahead by four points and even if we lose we will still be leading the table with just two games to go. But our goal is to win on Saturday and seal the title.

“I have great confidence in my players and I want them to enjoy themselves and win the title,” said the Portuguese coach.

Sadd’s triumph, which looks just a matter of time now, would be the first league title for Xavi and their coach but it is sure to motivate Duhail to do well in the next season.