Al Sadd's players celebrate the goal scored by Abdelkarim Hassan.
Al Sadd continued their fine form in the 2020-21 season QNB Stars League, thrashing Al Wakrah 4-1 as reigning champions Al Duhail and last year’s runners-up Al Rayyan suffered setbacks in their Week 8 clashes.
After yesterday’s win at Al Duhail Stadium, the Xavi Hernandez-coached side moved to 22 points on top of point standings, six clear of second-placed Al Ahli, who will be seen in action today.
However, Al Duhail endured a blow to their title defence after a shocking 2-1 loss to Al Sailiya, while Al Rayyan dropped valuable points after they were held to a 1-1 by Al Arabi at Al Sadd Stadium.
The Wolves continued their goal-scoring spree and dominated Al Wakrah to register their 7th win in the season, in which they have scored 31 goals.
As expected, Al Sadd started with an aggressive approach with captain Hasan Al Haydos scoring their first goal in 4th minute after an assist from Abdelkarim Hassan. The 2018 AFC Player of the Year went past two defenders to pass the ball to the Qatar captain, who scored with a clinical strike from just outside the circle.
Hassan then doubled the lead, scoring from a long distance, making it impossible for diving Al Wakrah goal-keeper Saoud Mubarak Al Khater.
Al Wakrah fought back with a brilliant header from Malian star Ousmane Coulibaly off a cross in 69th minute but strikes from Baghdad Bounedjah (71st minute) and 2019 AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif (77th minute) put proceedings behind Al Wakrah’s reach.
Al Wakrah slipped to 7th with 10 points following the loss.
Meanwhile, in a game dubbed the marquee Week 8 clash, Al Rayyan failed to capitalise on a 19th minute goal from Qatar midfielder Abdelaziz Hatim Mohamed as Al Arabi fought well to earn a point from Diego Aguirre-coached side.
After 15 minutes of a good display on the field following the deficit, Al Arabi struck through striker Abdulaziz Rashid Al Ansari after a fine touch by veteran striker Sebastian Soria. The second half saw some good attacks but it failed to break the deadlock as both teams walked away with a point each.
Despite the draw, Al Rayyan, moved to fourth position as Al Duhail slipped to fifth after a stunning defeat.
Al Sailiya entering the match with just 8 points, made their intent clear in the first half, scoring two goals against the defending champions in yesterday’s first match at Al Duhail Stadium yesterday.
Al Duhail got off a bright start as they piled up pressure on Al Sailiya, creating a couple of good opportunities through Ramin Rezaein and Edmilson Junior.
But Al Sailiya took full advantage of the missed chances and went ahead with a goal from Mohanad Ali in the 20th minute. The Iraqi striker took full advantage of a deflection after a corner kick to beat keeper Mohammed Al Bakri.
Senegalese defender Serigne Mbodji doubled the lead for Al Sailiya in 38th minute with a brilliant header off a corner kick by Nadir Belhadj.
Desperately looking for goals, Al Duhail made several attacks in the second half, with Abdelrahman Mohamed and substitute Mohammed Muntari missing chances from close range.
The champions could only open their account in stoppage time when Eduardo Rodrigues scored in (90+4) minutes as Al Sailiya celebrated their full points against a top side.
The victory put Al Sailiya on sixth position with 11 points.
In today’s matches Umm Salal will take on Al Kharaitiyat at Al Ahli Stadium that will also host Al Ahli and Al Gharafa fixture in day’s other match. Qatar SC and Al Khor will square off at Al Duhail Stadium.
