James Rodríguez comes from scoring his first goal in Qatari football in Al Rayyan’s 4-2 win over Al Sailiya. Now the team led by Laurent Blanc focuses on the derby this Saturday, October 30 at 11:30 am (Colombian time) against Al Arabi in the framework of the eighth day of the Qatar Stars League.
Younes Ali, Al Arabi coach who ranks third in the local league, highlighted the importance of this commitment, starting from the rival that they will have in front with great incorporations like those of James and Steven Nzonzi.
“The game will be the focus of everyone’s attention, and the two teams are motivated and ready for the confrontation. Al Rayyan includes strong elements, especially with the new additions. Regardless of the Al Rayyan team, we look at ourselves and the level of the team and the performance with which we will present ourselves in the match, we are looking to give the best image and not focus too much on Al Rayyan“, commented the technical director in the press conference before the game.
In addition, the recent antecedents show parity between these clubs, since after the resumption of soccer worldwide after the stoppage due to the pandemic they faced each other five times with a balance of one victory per side and three draws.
For his part, Blanc said: “I prepare my team all the time to winThe game against Al Arabi is different because Al Rayyan fans only accept victory and the truth is that my team needs a good preparation. I hope the victory over Al Sailiya is a good motivation for my team“.
That triumph referred to by the Frenchman with James’ first goal in Qatar allowed Al Rayyan to get away from the relegation zone and move up to sixth position with 9 points in a tournament led by Al Sadd with 21 units out of 21 possible and waiting for the situation of his DT Xavi Hernández to be defined, who can go to Barcelona.
