Al Rayyan play Lekhwiya in what promises to be one of the most interesting clashes of round 20 of the QSL. Ahead of the key match, QSL online has decided to look back on the previous matches between these two giants of Qatari football.

Both sides are currently equal in terms of performance ahead of their tenth direct encounter in the Qatar Stars League ahead of their match on Friday evening.  Both teams have met on nine occasions including this season’s first leg fixture.

In the first leg of the 2010/2011 season, the first match between the sides Lekhwiya defeated Al Rayyan by three goals to one. Whilst in the second half of the season Al Rayyan gained the upper hand defeating Lekhwiya 2-1.

Lekhwiya defeated  Al Rayyan again in the first leg of the 2011/2012 season 2-1 with goals from  Ivorian striker Aruna Dindane  and Algerian defender  Madjid Bougherra  amongst the goals.Al Rayyan fought second leg match securing a 3-1 victory, with goals from Hamed Ismail, Rodrigo Tabata and Brazilian striker Afonso Alves  ensuring a famous win for the Lions.

Al Rayyan continued their superiority during the first leg of the 2012/2013 season with a  3-1 win. Al Rayyan secured the win with goals from Rodrigo Tabata,  Hamed Ismail and an own goal from  Idrissa Coulibaly,  Sebastian Soria grabbed a conciliation goal for Lekhwiya.
During the second leg, Lekhwiya fought back sinking Al Rayyan 3-0. Two own goals from Rayyan from South Korean defender Cho Young and Hamed Ismail, along with a Sebastian Soria finshed assured all three points for the Red Knights.

The 2013/2014 season witnessed the first and only goalless draw between both sides. Whilst in the second leg Lekhwiya prevailed winning 2-0 courtesy of goals from midfielders Nam Tae Hee and Vladimir Weiss.

With the return of Al Rayyan to the Qatar Stars League in 2015/2016 season, meant a renewal of rivalries. The first match of this season ended in a 3-1 with goals from Victor Caceres, Sergio Garcia and Sebastian Soria scoring the third against his former club. Lekhwiya scored their goal through Tunisian midfielder Youseff Msakni.

So ahead of their round 20 clash at Al Sadd stadium both sides an even both winning four matches a piece. With only one draw between the sides, it promises to be a fascinating clash when Al Rayyan takes on Lekhwiya, with Al Rayyan knowing a win over their title rivals would all but secure them the falcon shield for the first time since 1994.