The Peninsula
Coach Javi Gracia is eyeing to lift a second major trophy with Al Sadd, who wrapped up their dominant QNB Stars League (QSL) season with a victory over Al Wakrah on Friday.
It is the second successive year for Al Sadd’s ‘invincible’ campaign in Qatar’s top flight as they extended their unbeaten run in the QSL to 49 matches with a win over impressive Al Wakrah, who finished third in the league.
The Wolves, having sealed their record-extending 16th QSL title with four matches to spare, finished the 2021-22 season with 21 victories and lost points only once when they drew against Al Duhail.
Gracia is now setting sights on Al Sadd’s third straight Amir Cup title as his team gears up for the semi-final against Al Duhail at their home turf at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, tomorrow.
“We celebrated with you after winning the league championship, and I hope to celebrate with you soon, with your support for the team in the Amir Cup,” Gracia said in a message to fans.
While congratulating his players, the Spaniard, who also coached English club Watford, said showing so much consistency in a busy season was not an easy task.
“We achieved something very special, and we managed to finish the league championship without any loss and with a new record,” said Gracia, who replaced Xavi Hernandez in the mid-season.
“We achieved a new record for the team, and I congratulate the previous coaching staff and all the team members for achieving this difficult and remarkable number,” he added.
Gracia also lauded Al Sadd’s hunger to win all the matches they play, crediting the teamwork for success.
“These results do not happen unless you have good and cohesive team that fights for victories,” he said.
“Al Sadd is a team that is always ready to compete, and all our results so far have been excellent. We won all the matches, except for a draw against Al Duhail,” Gracia added.
Meanwhile, Al Sadd’s player Mohamed Waad said the team is focused on the semi-final against Al Duhail.
“Our goal is to win every match, and we will work to achieve that against Al Duhail in the Amir Cup semi-finals.”
Al Sadd have won 77 overall titles and they are seeking a record-extending 19th Amir Cup title in 50th edition of the tournament.
Al Wakrah and Al Gharafa will square off in the other semi-final tomorrow, with the final scheduled to be played at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium – a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue – on March 18.