Al Rayyan players celebrate after scoring a goal against Al Sadd during their QNB Qatar Stars League match played at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, yesterday.
Al Rayyan yesterday recorded a stunning 4-2 win against the reigning QNB Stars League (QSL) champions Al Sadd in a breathtaking encounter which took place at the Al Sadd Stadium.
Al Rayyan’s goals were scored by Gabriel Mercado (26th minute), Rodrigo Tabata (43rd), Abdulaziz Hatem (59th) and Yacine Brahimi (70th minute).
For Al Sadd, Nam Tae-Hee and Baghdad Bounedjah scored in the 28th and 54th minute respectively.
With both sides going into the match unbeaten this season, there was a bit of spice to it as the teams competed to not only win the Qatar Clasico, but also to maintain their super form.
The Lions did finally score midway through the half when Tabata’s out-swinging corner was met by a super volley from Mercado and blasted into the roof of the net.
The cliché of being most vulnerable when you have just scored came true as Al Sadd were back on level terms within two minutes. Akram Afif caused havoc in the penalty area before sliding the ball back to Nam who powered it inside the post and past the goalkeeper.
Al Rayyan were able to take a half-time lead in the closing minutes when Brahimi’s accurate drive was saved by Saad Al Dossari with Tabata on hand to finish off the rebound.
Then, Bounedjah rose highest in the penalty area to cushion Hamed Ismail’s cross into the far corner with a beautiful header.
Once again, Al Rayyan found themselves ahead in no time when the imperious Brahimi slalomed into the box before releasing Hatem whose shot squirmed under the despairing arms of Al Dossari.
Brahimi put the result beyond doubt when he wrestled his way into the box before launching a vicious strike which the goalkeeper was not able to save.
Brahimi did have a penalty saved late on, but the damage was already done and Al Rayyan held on for a famous and well-deserved victory in what was another marvelous advertisement for the QSL.
