Lopetegui tells Qatar to recover before Gulf Cup semi-final against Saudi Arabia

Qatar manager Julen Lopetegui says his players must prioritise rest before facing Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup on Saturday.

The Spaniard made the comments after Qatar drew 1-1 with the United Arab Emirates in their final Group B match.

“Rest is what matters to us now before playing the tournament hosts,” Lopetegui said in comments reported by Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya.

“We have to fight until the final moment against a team that collected all nine points in the group stage.”

Qatar finished the group phase with seven points, while the United Arab Emirates topped Group B after the draw. Lopetegui said his side’s points tally represented a positive return.

“We got seven points, and that is a good thing. We were excellent,” he added. “We must close this chapter and start preparing for the next one, against a team considered among the contenders for the title.

“But, as I said, we need to rest first before thinking about the next match.”

Lopetegui also praised Qatar’s ability to retain possession during the second half against the United Arab Emirates, in the third round of Group B fixtures.

The semi-final line-up was confirmed after the final Group B positions were settled. The 1-1 draw allowed the United Arab Emirates, led by Croatian manager Zlatko Dalic, to finish top, with Qatar taking second place.

Saudi Arabia secured first position in Group A, while Oman finished second ahead of Iraq after a draw was held.

The two semi-finals of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup will take place on the same day, Saturday 3 October, in Jeddah.

Saudi Arabia will play Qatar at 18:55 at Alinma Stadium. The match brings together the Group A winners and Qatar, who advanced as runners-up from Group B.

The United Arab Emirates will meet Oman at 21:30 at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah. The fixture features the winners of Group B against the second-placed team from Group A.