Al Rayyan's Abdulaziz Hatem (right) and Jassem Gaber during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Al Rayyan return to action just three days after lifting the QSL Cup, taking on Kuwait’s Al Qadsia in the semi-final of the Gulf Club Champions League (GCCL) with a second title in their sights.
Al Rayyan defeated Muaither 2-0 in Wednesday’s final, securing their first trophy since 2018, with coach Vicente Moreno insisting the focus has already shifted.
“The QSL Cup is now in the past, and the focus is on facing Al Qadsia,” Moreno said ahead of today’s semi-final at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, kicking off at 8pm.
“We have another opportunity to win a second title after securing the QSL Cup, a new achievement for the club and its fans.”
Al Rayyan were unbeaten in the GCCL league stage, topping their group with three wins and three draws, and Moreno is confident his side can maintain that form.
“We know this will be a difficult match against an opponent with the same ambition, and we’ve worked in recent days to prepare and recover the squad. We aim to win and reach the final, especially playing at home in front of our fans.”
Midfielder Gregore said confidence is high in the camp following the QSL Cup triumph.
“We have a great feeling after winning our first championship, and it has boosted confidence inside the dressing room,” he said.
“Our role as players is to give our best, and the coach will decide who is ready. We have many matches this month, so we must stay prepared, and the coach will choose the right options for each game.”
Meanwhile, Al Qadsia coach Nabil Maaloul said his team has the ability to challenge Al Rayyan.
“We faced some challenges in our preparations, including the suspension of the Kuwaiti League and some absences, but I am hopeful the team will put up a strong challenge,” he said.
Al Qadsia player Abdullah Mutawea added: “We are aware of the magnitude of the challenge, but we will give our best to defend our chances.”
The match kicks off at 8pm.
Earlier, in the first semi-final at 5pm, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Shabab FC will face Iraq’s Zakho SC at Khalifa International Stadium.
Al-Shabab coach Noureddine Zekri said his team is targeting a place in the final.
“We have shown improved form recently after a dip, and our target is to win the semi-final and compete for the trophy,” he said, while praising Doha’s organisation of major events.
Captain Yannick Carrasco said: “Our ambition is to win the title, and we will treat this match like a final.”
Zakho coach Ayoub Odisho said his team is ready.
“We have studied Al-Shabab well. It will be a tough match, but we are prepared.”
Captain Amjad Atwan added: “All the players are determined to give their best and reach the final.”
The final will be played at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday.
