Al-Gharafa FC currently hold third place in the Qatar Stars League, with five wins, three draws, and two losses.
They trail league leaders Al-Duhail by just four points, keeping them firmly in contention for the top spot. In the AFC Champions League, however, their campaign has been challenging, as they sit sixth in Group B with four points from a win, a draw, and two defeats.
As they prepare to face Al-Nassr, Al-Gharafa will aim to capitalize on their home advantage to secure a vital victory. A win would boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stages, and they will rely on tactical discipline and a determined performance to overcome the Saudi giants.
Al-Nassr currently sit third in Group B of the AFC Champions League Elite, with three wins and a draw. A victory against Al-Gharafa FC could propel them to the top. Domestically, they are 3rd in the Saudi Pro League, trailing Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad but remaining competitive with standout performances from stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.
Under Stefano Pioli’s leadership, Al-Nassr will aim to secure a crucial win to strengthen their knockout stage prospects. Known for their attacking depth and midfield control, they will seek to exploit Al-Gharafa’s vulnerabilities and assert their dominance in both the group and the tournament.
Joselu, or Jose Luis Mato Sanmartín, the towering 6’3″ striker from Stuttgart, began his footballing journey with Celta Vigo’s B team before progressing to Real Madrid‘s reserve side. His career path has taken him through notable clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt and Newcastle United, showcasing his knack for finding the back of the net.
After a brief loan spell with Real Madrid in 2023-24, Joselu joined Al-Gharafa in 2024. He has since made nine appearances for the Qatari side, scoring four goals. At 34, he continues to utilize his experience and aerial dominance to bolster his team’s attacking prowess.
The home team are set to miss the presence of Mostafa Essam, Hyun soo Jang and Asim Madibo in the upcoming game.
The visitors will miss the services of Talisca and Sami Al-Najei in the next game.
Al Gharafa and Al Nassr are set to lock horns against each other for the very first time. This could be the first of the many encounters between these sides.
