DOHA: A four-star performance on Friday from Qatar Stars Leaue (QSL) giants Al Sadd helped the points leaders maintain their top billing on a day when arch-rivals Al Wakra choked against Umm Salal.
Foreign imports Raul of Spain and Lee Jung-Soo of Korea scored key goals as Al Sadd hammered Al Rayyan 4-1 to increase the gap between them and second-placed Al Wakra.
Al Wakra, despite a superb race from high-scoring Iraqi striker Younis Mahmood, lost to Umm Salal 3-2 at Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium.
For Hussein Amute’s side, week six was just as satisfying as the previous five rounds.
On Friday, Al Sadd dominated play, thanks to brilliant performances from captain Raul and Jung-Soo in front of a large crowd in attendance for the ‘El Clasico’ at Al Rayyan Stadium.
Despite the crushing win, Al Sadd coach Hussein Amute was modest in praising his side but did not forget to applaud his rivals Al Rayyan.
“My players played well,” Amute said. “It was a tough match and the result does not show that we dominated the match. Actually Al Rayyan played well. We just created a lot of pressure,” he added.
“Some of my players were really efficient on the pitch,” Amute pointed out without giving names.
“We had better determination and our confidence is high.
“Our set-piece football was better than theirs. We exploited the chances we got to score at will. It was a morale boosting win, I would say.
“We can’t say we will keep on winning. Every game is different and we have to plan accordingly. We are just trying to maintain our focus and play with seriousness and determination that you all saw in the first six matches.
“I did not expect such a big win but my players were really strong,” he added.
“Before every game, I ask my players to play as if this is their last match of the season and that we want to win the match. And I believe this is the secret of our success that we are very focused.
Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre admitted it was a tough match.
“We were guilty of far too many errors,” Aguirre said after the 4-1 loss. “We lost but that does not mean we played bad. We fought hard. This is football. Sometimes you play well and yet end up on the losing side.
“We will continue to work hard in the coming weeks,” Aguirre added.
“We have to correct our mistakes and restore the confidence in our players. This requires more hard work. I am surprised at the dip in form in the last three matches,” the coach added.
“We are still competing for the title. We have to address a few issues. We have had few injuries but hopefully, we will come out fighting again.
“There are many reasons for our poor results (in the last three matches) but there are positives as well. Al Rayyan will return stronger,” the coach added.
While Al Sadd are unbeaten in the current season, Al Wakra on Friday lost their first match of the season against Al Kharaitiyat who were powered home by Maher Yusuf’s brace.
Yusuf scored two goals, one in the 87th minute, to help his side pick up three key points.
Earlier Yusuf found the net in the 33rd minute which was followed by a goal from Walid Mohuiddin in the 73rd minute. For Al Rayyan, the last two weeks have been nothing short of a misery.
Al Rayyan, who won the Heir Apparent Cup last season, have lost to Al Sailiyah and Al Sadd by identical margins to lose ground against Al Sadd.
Al Rayyan, who are in third spot, have 11 points from 6 matches.
In fourth place are Lekhwiya who edged past former champions Al Gharafa 1-0 on Thursday. Lekhwiya, the defending champions, also have 10 points from 6 matches.
QSL action will resume on November 18 after the teams reassemble following QNB Qatar Stars Cup matches in the next two weeks.
THE PENINSULA
