Ayo Victor
Doha: Al Rayyan advanced to the final of the 2025–2026 Gulf Club Champions League after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Kuwait’s Al Qadsia in the semi-final at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Sunday evening.
Brazilian winger Róger Guedes broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a moment of brilliance. He danced past several Al Qadsia defenders before firing a powerful right-footed shot that left goalkeeper Hameed Al Qallaf rooted to the spot.
Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic doubled the lead five minutes into the second half. He pounced on a poorly cleared corner kick during a defensive mix-up, poking the ball home from close range to make it 2-0.
The win extends Al Rayyan’s strong run in the competition. The Lions remained unbeaten throughout the league stage, topping their group with three wins and three draws. Head coach Vicente Moreno expressed confidence that his team can carry this momentum into the final.
In the other semi-final at Khalifa International Stadium, Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab edged past Iraq’s Zakho FC on penalties to set up an exciting final clash.
Al Rayyan, buoyed by recent success after winning the QSL Cup just days ago, displayed control and clinical finishing against a resilient Al Qadsia side. The home crowd created a vibrant atmosphere, cheering every attacking move as the Qatari club pushed for a second regional title.
The victory marks another milestone for Al Rayyan in the tournament, showcasing their attacking flair led by star performers Guedes and Mitrovic.
The final of the Gulf Club Champions League is scheduled for April 23, 2026, at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, where Al Rayyan will face Al Shabab in a highly anticipated showdown between two of the region’s top clubs.
This result reinforces Qatar’s strong representation in the competition and highlights Al Rayyan’s growing stature on the Gulf football stage.
