Rayyan striker aiming to close gap on El Jaish

Al Rayyan striker Sebastian Soria believes his side can continue their rich vein of form when the current QSL champions take on El Jaish in the QSL match of the week for round 17. The Qatar international striker spoke exclusively with QSL online ahead of the crunch clash on Sunday evening at Lekhwiya stadium. 

Opening up the conversation, Soria was quick to highlight Al Rayyan’s upturn in form in the second half of the season. “We have won our last three games in the league, and so far we have done well in the second half of the season. In our last match we scored four goals, and the performance was much better than before. Now we will play El Jaish, who are a strong team and our aim is to close the gap on them which is only three points.” 

When asked about Al Rayyan’s slow start to the season, the thirty-three year old attacker noted how is side has failed to put away their chances. However Soria insisted that his side has started to click in front of goal in recent weeks. “This season I have only scored three goals this season, which is strange for me. However it is also the same for Sergio (Garcia) and Rodrigo Tabata who have missed important chances for us. However now we have some momentum and I hope we can repeat the performance against Al Sailiya when we take on El Jaish. 



The Lions head into the match of the week with a host of key players such as Abdulkarim Al-Ali and Víctor Cáceres out of the squad through suspension. Despite this Soria has every faith that the younger memebers of the Al Rayyan squad can step up on Sunday evening. “It’s difficult for the players and the coach at the moment as we have a number of key players suspended and injured.  Importantly at Al Rayyan we have young players who are ready and want to show to the coach that they can play for the club. Some of taken their opportunity and that will be the case again in our next match.”

Attention turned to Al Rayyan’s opponent El Jaish, who have fell from top spot in the QSL in recent weeks. Despite losing their way, Sebastian was sure that Jaish will return to form ahead of the climax to the QSL season. “El Jaish are a strong team with good players and they started the league well, they are in a poor run right now I’m not sure exactly why, but I hope for the sake of the league that they find their form, just not against Al Rayyan!”

Several of Al Rayyan’s players have been part of the Qatar national team squad for their recent 1-1 draw with Moldova, whilst only one player from El Jaish was called up. Soria was quick to dismiss that Al Rayyan’s players will be tired for the match against El Jaish. 

“I don’t think that this will make a difference to Al Rayyan to be honest. Both sides have good players and we have a few days to recover for the friendly against Moldova. It’s good to have an international game midweek as it gives the players a different rhythm and hopefully will see us fully prepared for the league game.” 

Can Soria fire his side to glory against El Jaish? You can pick up tickets for the game here.