Doha: The second round of the 2025-26 Doha Bank Stars League kicks off Thursday, promising three days of high-intensity football as clubs look to build momentum and make up ground in the standings. The standout match of the week will see Al Gharafa take on Al Arabi at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium on Friday.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Gharafa, who lead the table on goal difference, are aiming to extend their winning start. In the opening round, the team staged a stunning comeback, overturning a 2-0 deficit against Umm Salal to claim a 4-2 victory under Portuguese coach Pedro Martinez. They will now look to maintain that attacking spark against Al Arabi.
Al Arabi, meanwhile, will try to bounce back after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Al Wakrah in their opener, in which they twice squandered the lead. Despite the setback, the team displayed solid technical quality and signs of promise following several summer signings.
Defending champions Al Sadd face Al Ahli on Thursday at Al Thumama Stadium, determined to recover from their shock 3-2 defeat to Qatar SC in Week 1. The team will be under pressure to avoid a second consecutive setback early in the campaign.
Fresh from their statement win over Al Sadd, Qatar SC will look to continue their strong start when they meet newly promoted Al Sailiya at Al Bayt Stadium on Thursday. Qatar SC impressed with their offensive flair in the opener, while Al Sailiya will need a defensive reset after their 3-1 loss to Al Rayyan.
On Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium, Al Duhail host Al Wakrah in another key matchup. Al Duhail, who reached last season's AFC Champions League play-off final, were held 1-1 by Al Shahania in their opener despite defeating Sepahan SC of Iran in continental action. Al Wakrah, who also drew in Week 1 against Al Arabi, showed resilience and will seek to turn promise into points.
Friday's clash at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium pits Al Shamal against Al Rayyan, with both sides coming off convincing opening wins. Al Shamal impressed with a 2-0 victory over Al Ahli, while Al Rayyan overturned an early deficit to beat Al Sailiya 3-1. Both teams will look to build on their bright starts.
Week 2 concludes Saturday at Al Bayt Stadium with Umm Salal facing Al Shahania. Umm Salal will aim to recover after their collapse against Al Gharafa, where they surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2. Al Shahania, who held Al Duhail to a draw in the opener with a disciplined back line and dangerous counterattacks, are eyeing their first win of the season.
Standings after Week 1: Al Gharafa top the table with three points on goal difference, followed by Al Rayyan, Al Shamal, and Qatar SC. Al Arabi, Al Wakrah, Al Duhail, and Al Shahania each sit on one point, while Al Sadd, Umm Salal, Al Sailiya, and Al Ahli remain without points.