Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Qatar’s Al Rayyan stand on the brink of a first-ever place in the 2017 AFC Champions League knockout stage ahead of tonight’s meeting with Saudi giants Al Hilal at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium as Group D reaches its climax.
Al Rayyan v Al Hilal Matchday Six preview
The Doha club have exited at the group stage on six previous occasions, but Al Rayyan captain Rodrigo Tabata (pictured right) is determined to help his side end that slump with victory over their Riyadh visitors and earn a priceless place in the AFC Champions League Round of 16.
Q: It’s a big game against Al Hilal, do or die for Al Rayyan. Do you think your side can get the result they need to progress?
It's a very important game for us. It’s a big opportunity for everyone at the club, because Al Rayyan have not progressed to the next stage in the AFC Champions League before. It's a tough game against a good team, but we have played well in this season in this group and have to take our chance to qualify.
Q: Al Hilal have just won the league in Saudi Arabia and are sitting top of the group, is that a worry for you?
Al Hilal are a strong team, who have good players and always go well in the AFC Champions League. But I trust in our team, and I feel that on our day and if we play well we can cause them problems and qualify for the round of 16.
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