FC Barcelona wins Qatar Airways Cup

FC Barcelona has won the Qatar Airways Cup at the first Match of Champions, held recently in Doha.

The football club scored five goals, defeating Al-Ahli Saudi FC who scored three. Both teams are sponsored by Qatar Airways. The airline has a sponsorship deal with FC Barcelona through July 2017 and entered into an agreement in 2014 to sponsor Al-Ahli for three seasons.

"The Match of Champions brought together two sides that are loved across the globe, with fans travelling to Doha from every corner of the world to watch this spectacular football event," Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker said. "Our congratulations go to FC Barcelona for a well-deserved win of the Qatar Airways Cup, and to both sides for a superb match. Qatar is earning a reputation as the home of international football in the GCC, and Qatar Airways is fully supportive of realizing this in support of the vision of our Government."

The 18-carat gold Qatar Airways Cup trophy was designed by a Qatar Airways team.

More than 18,000 fans attended the event, which included a fireworks shows and entertainment from Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi.