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Thousands of fans packed into Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday night for the Amir Cup final, in a match that for many felt like more than just football.
The final, which saw Al Gharafa SC beat Al Sadd SC 4-1 to retain the Amir Cup title, came after weeks of regional tension that had kept many residents indoors and away from public gatherings.
But Saturday’s final marked one of the clearest signs yet of fans returning to stadiums in large numbers as football once again took centre stage in Qatar.
A crowd of 37,823 spectators attended the final, creating a lively atmosphere as supporters waved flags, sang throughout the match and stayed behind long after the final whistle.
‘Maybe the whole Qatar is here’
For many in attendance, the occasion represented a return to normal life after a stressful period.
“It’s a great feeling,” one Indian expat attending her first football match in Qatar told Euronews.
“When I came to Qatar, about three days later, everything happened. The missiles were bombing everywhere and people were nowhere to be seen.
“But now when I’m standing here, I can say maybe the whole Qatar is here. It feels delightful. It feels amazing. I can see that Qatar is living again.”
Another fan attending the final with his two children said bringing his family to the stadium helped restore a sense of normality.
“After the stress days, we feel more comfortable. Everything is perfect actually,” he said.
“Alhamdulillah, life became normal again. Everything is safe.”
His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the final and later crowned Al Gharafa champions following their victory.
Speaking to Euronews during the event, Qatar Football Association head of media Ali Al Salat said organisers wanted the occasion to feel like a celebration for supporters.
“It’s really good to have everything back in the same order,” he said.
“Today we have the prestigious competition, which is the Amir Cup. So it’s a time to celebrate football with fans.”
Al Salat said fans had already been returning during league matches and earlier rounds of the Amir Cup, describing Saturday’s final as “the cherry on the cake” of the football season.
The final also marked the 50th anniversary of Khalifa International Stadium, one of Qatar’s oldest sporting venues.
Many fans stayed behind celebrating long after Al Gharafa lifted the Amir Cup trophy.