FC Barcelona to Play Al-Ahli Saudi FC in Qatar Airways Cup

FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi FC will today compete in the first ever Match of Champions.

The football giants, both sponsored by Qatar Airways, will play the match at Al Gharafa Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

The Qatar Airways Cup trophy was handmade in Doha. Cast in 18 carat gold, it is designed to reflect the global unity that sport inspires, and signifies the reward for teamwork, effort and determination.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “Qatar Airways believes in sport as a source of inspiration and a symbol of international unity, as teams and their supporters come together from around the world to celebrate the determination and spirit that is required to win. We are exceptionally proud to not only support two iconic teams through our sponsorship of FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi FC, but to bring these two beloved teams together for what we are sure will be a phenomenal match – a Match of Champions, no less – with the worthy winner able to lay claim to the Qatar Airways Cup.”

Tickets for the match sold out within hours of release, with football fans from as far away as Thailand and Singapore flying into Doha especially for the game.

The doors of the stadium will open at 16:30 and opening ceremonies start at 17:30 with a demonstration by freestylers from around the world. They will be accompanied by a performance from world champion freestyler Pawel Skora and Yassine Abderrahim.

Opening ceremonies continue with a performance by Phoenix Fire and Light Dance Group, the acclaimed creators of the Baku Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony and Sochi Olympics Closing Ceremony.

A special musical performance from Fahad Al Kubaisi at 18:45 will pay homage to Qatar National Day, followed by a fireworks show before the match starts at 19:00.

Vice President of the Organising Committee, Mr. Hassan Al Thawadi, said, “The enormity of this match is a testament to Qatar’s growing standing as the home of international football in the GCC, where the world’s greatest players are converging to bring world-class competitions to the region. It is also a significant marker in our journey towards 2022 when we will proudly host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”

The Teams

This year, Al-Ahli Saudi FC won the Saudi Professional League for the first time in 32 years. The club also won the Saudi Super Cup and the King Cup, and came runner-up in the Crown Prince Cup.

FC Barcelona won their 23rd La Liga title this year, the Copa del Rey and they are the reigning champions of the FIFA Club World Cup. The club won the treble in the 2014/2015 season - La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League titles.

Qatar Airways Cup - Match of Champions Schedule

17:30 Pre-match performance from world champion freestyler Pawel Skora
17:50 FCB & Al-Ahli Saudi FC teams warm-up
18:25 Opening ceremony begins with the Pheonix Performance Group
18:45 Musical performance from special guest
19:00 Match of Champions kick off
21:00 Closing ceremony and presentation of the Qatar Airways Cup trophy

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