DOHA: Brazilian striker Nilmar Da Silva and former Real Mardid giant Raul Gonzales terrorised opponents in round two of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) as title contenders Al Rayyan, Al Sadd and Al Wakra gathered momentum with convincing wins last week.
A hat-trick by Brazilian import Nilmar powered Al Rayyan to a 5-0 demolition of Umm Salal on Saturday while Real Madrid legend Raul and Senegalese forward Mamadouh Niang produced two goals each to see Al Sadd home against Qatar SC on Sunday.
Nilmar scored for Al Rayyan scored in the first round also whereas Raul played a pivotal role for his new employers against Al Arabi on September 15.
Despite Al Rayyan, Al Sadd and Al Wakra playing with sublime ease at the start of the new season, there was bad news for defending champions Lekhwiya who stumbled with a rare loss against Eljaish.
Al Wakra, who upset former champions Al Gharafa in round one, on Saturday were thankful to Iraqi striker Younis Mahmood who struck twice in a 3-0 win over Al Sailiyah.
The three sides picked up full points to keep their slates clean after round two but defending champions Lekhwiya were sent back to the boardroom after an unexpected result against Eljaish.
Coached by Razvan Lucescu, Eljaish carved a 1-0 win against the two-time champions when Karim Ziani produced a late strike for the only goal of the match.
In other action, Al Gharafa - now coached by Paulo Silas - were left without a point after two rounds.
On Sunday, Al Kharaitiyat combined well in the defence by holding the former champions to a goal-less draw.
With a bit of luck Al Kharaitiyat would have won the match had Yahia Kebe not missed a penalty in the 74th minute.
None of the sides dictated terms in the match player at Al Khor Stadium.
Al Khor and Al Arabi had to settle for a 1-1 draw at the latter’s home turf on Sunday.
Al Arabi are still without a win from two games.
The next round of action commences on September 28 when three matches will be played.
Al Khor host Qatar in the first match followed by Al Sadd welcoming Umm Salal. Lekhwiya visit Al Rayyan in the last match on September 28.
On September 29, Al Arabi visit Al Gharafa, Eljaish host Al Sailiyah at Qatar SC Stadium while Al Wakra welcome Al Kharaitiyat. THE PENINSULA
