Doha, Qatar – Al Shamal secured a crucial victory in the Qatar Stars League, defeating Al Rayyan 1-0 and climbing to third place in the standings. The win, propelled by a second-half goal from Alex Collado, puts Al Shamal in a strong position as the league progresses. Meanwhile, Al Sailiya also celebrated a vital three points with a 2-1 triumph over Qatar SC, lifting them off the bottom of the table.
The match between Al Shamal and Al Rayyan took place yesterday at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Collado’s 54th-minute strike proved to be the difference, capitalizing on a rebound after Al Rayyan’s goalkeeper, Mahmud Abunada, parried a shot from Baghdad Bounedjah. Despite having two goals disallowed for offside late in the game, Al Shamal held on for the win.
Al Shamal’s Ascent in the Qatar Stars League
This victory marks a significant step forward for Al Shamal, bringing their point total to 24 for the season. They now trail league leaders Al Gharafa by seven points and sit two points behind defending champions Al Sadd. The team’s consistent performance has been a key factor in their rise up the Qatar Stars League table.
Al Rayyan, despite the loss, remain competitive with 23 points, but have slipped to fourth place. They are now three points ahead of fifth-placed Al Arabi, highlighting the tight competition within the league. The result underscores the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities, as Al Rayyan struggled to find an equalizer.
Baghdad Bounedjah, speaking after the match, emphasized the competitive nature of the game. He stated the match was “exciting and featured physical clashes from both sides,” and acknowledged that scoring would likely determine the outcome. This sentiment reflects the closely contested nature of the Qatar Stars League this season.
Al Sailiya’s Resurgence
At Grand Hamad Stadium, Al Sailiya’s 2-1 win over Qatar SC provided a much-needed boost to their campaign. Abdulrahman Mohamed opened the scoring in the 72nd minute with a well-placed shot assisted by Abdulla Hussain Al Muftah.
Qatar SC responded quickly, leveling the score through Pedro just eight minutes later. However, Al Sailiya regained the lead in the 84th minute when Diogo Amaro finished a play initiated by a save from goalkeeper Fahad Younis Baker. The goalkeeper’s quick thinking and distribution proved crucial in setting up the winning goal.
The three points are invaluable for Al Sailiya, moving them from 12th to 10th place with 11 points. This result provides a significant morale boost and distance from the relegation zone. Qatar SC, meanwhile, remain seventh on 17 points, needing to find consistency to climb the standings.
The Qatar football season continues to be highly competitive, with several teams vying for the top spots. This latest round of matches demonstrates the unpredictable nature of the league and the importance of every game. The performance of teams like Al Shamal and Al Sailiya highlights the growing depth of talent within Qatari football.
Looking ahead, the next round of Qatar Stars League fixtures will be crucial for teams aiming to solidify their positions. The battle for the championship is intensifying, and the fight to avoid relegation remains fierce. Fans will be watching closely to see if Al Shamal can maintain their momentum and challenge for the title, and whether Al Sailiya can continue their climb up the table.
The league standings are subject to change with each match, and the coming weeks will likely see further shifts in the rankings. Key factors to watch include player form, tactical adjustments, and the impact of any injuries or suspensions.
