Sadd, Arabi set for high-stakes derby as Qatar Stars League resumes

The Qatar Stars returns to action Saturday after a brief international break, with the eighth-round fixtures headlined by a traditional and fiercely contested clash between Al Sadd and Al Arabi at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

The competition had been on hold during the group stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which took place in Doha earlier this month. With Qatar securing direct qualification to the World Cup, attention now shifts back to domestic football as clubs seek to rediscover rhythm and momentum.

At the heart of this round is the much-anticipated Al Sadd vs Al Arabi derby — a fixture steeped in history and passion, one that rarely disappoints.

Defending champions Al Sadd, who have dominated the league over the past two seasons, find themselves in unfamiliar territory after a shaky start to the new campaign. The Wolves have collected just eight points from six games, winning twice, drawing twice, and losing twice — results that have left them in seventh place.

Their recent performances have been inconsistent both locally and continentally. Back-to-back league draws against Al Wakrah and Al Duhail were followed by a 1-3 defeat to Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League, extending the team’s winless run to three games. The poor form prompted the club’s management to part ways with Spanish coach Felix Sanchez, appointing his compatriot and assistant Sergio Allegri as interim head coach.

For Allegri, Saturday’s match marks his first domestic outing at the helm — and there could hardly be a sterner test. “The upcoming match against Al Arabi will be very difficult,” Allegri said Friday. “They have a new coaching staff, and although their start to the season hasn't been very good, they have distinguished players, both foreign and local professionals. It’s a tough match, and we must be fully prepared to win. Our goal is to be as close as possible to the top of the table, and that is our main objective this season.”

Spanish striker Rafa Mujica, one of Al Sadd’s key attacking threats, echoed his coach’s sentiment. “The match against Al Arabi is strong and difficult — mainly because it’s always complicated and also special because it’s a derby,” Mujica said. “We know how difficult it will be, but we’ll give 100 percent and do everything to win.”

On the opposite bench, Al Arabi are eager to turn a new page under Romanian coach Cosmin Contra, who takes charge following a turbulent spell that saw the Dream Team suffer heavy back-to-back defeats — 1-8 against Al Duhail and 0-4 against Al Sailiya. Those losses left them with just four points, sitting in the penultimate position on the table.

The club reacted swiftly, dismissing Spanish coach Pablo Amo and temporarily handing duties to U-23 coach Yari Rodriguez before finalising Contra’s appointment during the international break. The former Al Ittihad coach is well aware of the challenge ahead but remains confident in his new side’s potential.

“I am very happy to be joining the Al Arabi coaching team,” Contra said. “Yes, the team is going through a difficult period, but I believe we are capable of overcoming it and moving forward to achieve the best results. We have good players in the team; we just need to regain confidence. The Al Sadd match will be a strong incentive for the players to give their best and achieve a result that will put the team back in the competitive frame of mind.”

Al Arabi defender Alexis Perez added: “We are well prepared for the match despite the strength of the opponents. We need to win to regain confidence, and our goal is to come away with the three points. Al Sadd are a strong team, and the match will not be easy, but we must fully adhere to the coach’s instructions in order to achieve the desired result.”

Beyond the derby, Round 8 offers several compelling matchups. At Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, high-flying Al Shamal, who top the standings with 14 points from six matches, will test their unbeaten record against last season’s runners-up Al Duhail. Coach Djamel Belmadi’s side, currently sixth with eight points, are still smarting from a 3-1 AFC Champions League defeat to Al Wahda of the UAE.

“We’re fully aware of the importance of facing Al Shamal, the league leaders,” Belmadi said. “We must cope with the pressure of matches and rely on our prepared players.”

Saturday’s fixtures also see Al Ahli host Al Gharafa at Al Thumama Stadium, while tomorrow’s games feature Qatar SC versus Umm Salal at Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan taking on Al Wakrah at Saud bin Abdulrahman Stadium, and Al Shahaniya meeting Al Sailiya at Al Khor Stadium.