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In Pictures: Fourth Qatar 2022 stadium opened for Amir Cup final

Al Rayan Football Stadium, Qatar
The 40,000 capacity Al Rayan Stadium became the fourth World Cup 2022 stadium to be inaugurated by the organising committee [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
By Sorin Furcoi
Published On 18 Dec 2020

Doha, Qatar – Al Sadd beat Al Arabi 2-1 to lift the Amir Cup trophy on Friday, with the final being held at Al Rayan Stadium, the fourth Qatar 2022 World Cup venue to be inaugurated.

A small socially distanced crowd witnessed the former Asian Champions League winners lift the coveted trophy on Qatar National Day in the presence of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

December 18 also marks two years until the Qatar 2022 final.

Bagdad Boundjah scored both goals for Al Sadd, coached by former Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, with Iceland’s midfielder Aron Gunnarsson on the scoresheet for Al Arabi.

The World Cup will kick off in Qatar on November 21 with the final to be played at the 80,000 capacity yet-to-be-completed Lusail Stadium on December 18.

Al Sadd sealed off a dominant show on the pitch to lift the most coveted football title in the country. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
The final held historic value as it was played on Qatar National Day, marking two years until the Qatar 2022 football World Cup final. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
Tournament organisers allowed socially distanced seating inside the stadium for the fans to watch the final. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
A small crowd witnessed the former Asian Champions League winners lift the coveted trophy on Qatar National Day. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
Iceland’s midfielder Aron Gunnarsson scored the only goal of the match for Al Arabi. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
Al Arabi pressed on after a poor first half but were unable to find an equaliser for a second time. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
Al Sadd fans celebrated their team’s dominant performance in the final that helped Xavi’s team lift the trophy. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]