Al Rayyan will host Al Shamal in Week 14 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Sunday, February 25, 2024. The kick-off is at 8pm.

Al Rayyan are currently fourth in the standings with 22 points - aiming to continue their strong performance and stay in race as title contenders, while Al Shamal are in 10th place with 11 points – eager to stay away from the danger zone.

Despite the difference in the standings and the different ambitions of the two teams, the match is expected to be an even battle since both sides are eager to make a new start with the resumption of league matches and to achieve an important victory and three points that will strengthen their respective places.

While Al Shamal recently recruited Moroccan Younes Belhanda to add power to their attack, Al Rayyan strengthened their ranks during the winter transfers by signing Murad Naji, Ali Qaderi and Hazem Shehata.

Al Rayyan scored two big wins in the 10th and 12th rounds (against Al Ahli 4-0 and Al Markhiya 6-0), but in between suffered a reversal in the 11th round against Al Sadd (0-4) in the Qatar Clasico.

The Lions rely on their strong attack represented by Roger Guedes, who has scored eight goals in the league so far, as well as Moroccan star Achraf Bencharki, who has scored six goals, and Rodrigo Moreno, who has scored four goals.

Al Shamal rely mainly on their forward Ricardo Gomez, who has scored seven goals and is considered as one of the most important players for coach Poya Asbaghi. While Belhanda joined the side, Jordanian star Ali Olwan moved to Al Khor.

The match is of great importance to both teams’ coaches – Portuguese Leonardo Jardim of Al Rayyan and Swede Asbaghi of Al Shamal.

Each team will be looking forward to achieving three points. The match therefore is expected to be full of excitement, as was during their first-leg encounter which had ended 4-3 in favour of Al Rayyan at the Al Bayt Stadium in Week 3.