Doha: For many, the 2015-16 Qatar Stars League (QSL) edition was over when Al Rayyan thrashed Al Wakrah to seal the title last week.
Fans didn’t expect a stunning display of football after the giants secured their 20th win out of 21 rounds for the QSL crown.
But, Qatar SC proved there are still a of lot of thrilling moments left in the prestigious league as they stunned the new champions with a display of defiance and brilliance.
The, Sebastio Lazaroni’s team perhaps pulled off the biggest shock of the round drawing 0-0 with JorgeFossati’s team.
Keeper Mohammed Mubarak was the star of the show for the ‘Kings’ pulling off a number of fantastic saves in the second half to deny Al Rayyan.
This is the first time that Al Rayyan has failed to score in the QSL season, and the first time that the Lions have drew in the league.
Even more impressive for Qatar SC is that in the first leg Al Rayyan crushed them 9-0.
The turnaround from Qatar SC has been impressive coming from 7 points adrift in week 16 to just now one point away from safety.
Sebastio Lazaroni will have to rally his troops for their winnable round 23 clash against Al Sailiya.
Al Arabi come up with the goods
Al Arabi fans have endured an inconsistent season under the stewardship of Gianfranco Zola, for every big win against the top teams, like the slender 1-0 win over Lekhwiya there has been a frustrating result against a lower side, take the 1-1 draw with Al Khariitiyat.
Thankfully in round 22 Arabi registered a big win, defeating second placed El Jaish to push on in their quest for a Qatar cup place.
Two quick-fire goals in the first half from Paulinho and Ashkan Dejagah have pushed Al Arabi up into 5th place and are now five points behind Al Sadd in 4th.
Wakrah, Al Ahli ease fears
Al Wakrah & Al Ahli have taken a big step to safety in the QSL for this season, registering important wins in round 22. Al Wakrah left it late to beat Meisameer 3-1 with two goals in the final two minutes to ensure all three points. The result has pushed Mauricio Larriera’s team to ninth in the league, five points away from the drop zone.
While for Al Ahli, they surprised Umm Salal 4-2 on Saturday evening.
Braces from MouchineIajour and vetran midfielder Meshal Abdulla mean that the Brigadiers are up to 10th and are four points away from the drop. Ahli will be looking to build on this result when they face Al Arabi in the QSL match of the week for round 23.
Sailiya ship four goals
Al Sailiya where comprehensively beaten 4-0 by Al Gharafa on Saturday evening. Interestingly this is the third time this season that the Peregrines have lost 4-0 after suffering back to back losses by the same scoreline to Al Rayyan and El Jaish in the first half of the season.
Before this defeat Sailiya had been on a two game winning streak in the league.
This pushed Sami Trabelsi’s side to the front of the chasing pack for the Qatar Cup places.
The QSL’s longest serving manager will have to rally his deflated side when they take on relegation threatened Qatar SC in round 23.
Weiss, Nemeth partnership blossoming
Al Gharafa’s impressive 4-0 win, underlined the good work that Pedro Caixinia has done since arriving to the Cheetahs in Janaury.
Gharafa have lost only once in six QSL games, since the Portuguese tactician took over.
Central to this has been the attacking duo of Vladimir Weiss and Kristian Nemeth.
Who have both chipped in with 6 goals collectively for their new team. Both players are set to represent their respective countries of Slovakia and Hungary at the upcoming Euro 2016 tournament in France.
Gharafa will be hoping they can hold onto their two European stars, as Caixinia’s side start to prepare for the 2016/2017 season.
