Doha: Brazilian striker Muriqui fired a hat-trick as Al Sadd eased to a 4-0 victory against Qatar Stars League (QSL) new boys Mesaimeer in what was an easy opening game for the Wolves and their marquee signing Xavi Hernandez, yesterday at the Al Arabi Stadium in Doha.
Al Sadd dominated the early exchanges and it was indeed Xavi himself who played a hand in the opening goal assisting Jung Soo Lee with a well delivered free kick in the 11th minute. The Korean defender had an easy header past the hapless Meisameer keeper.
Despite the early Al Sadd onslaught Mesaimeer did come close to an equaliser, on the 34th minute with Rashed Al Ghefrani unable to score from close range after a well struck free kick. Sadd keeper Abdulla Aldosari making a convincing save at the feet of the on rushing Al Ghefrani.
Minutes later Al Sadd doubled their lead on the 39th minute, with Muriqui comfortably slotting in from a Hassan Al Haydoos through ball to open his account. Sadd went in leading the tie 2-0 at half time.
In the second half, Al Sadd looked calm and composed, pressing Mesaimeer deep into their half for large portions of the tie.
Xavi was in full flow in the center of the park delivering a passing masterclass and was at the centre of all of the Wolves good work. In the 48th minute a well-placed free kick just fizzed over the Mesaimeer goal, followed quickly by a glancing header assisted by Nadir Belhadj.
In truth Meisameer struggled in the second half, with striker Erivelto Silva cutting a lonely figure in Sadd’s final third. Al Sadd’s dominance of the ball eventually paid off in the 74th minute Muriqui grabbed his second of the match, slotting in a rebound after a rasping Nadir Belhadj shot came off the cross bar and into the path of the Sadd striker.
After more possession, and ball retention Muriqui popped up again in the 87th minute to complete his hat-trick slotting in again from close range. The Brazilian striker looked in fine form this evening, and will hoping to remain injury free this season to keep the Wolves in the hunt for the QSL shield.
For Al Sadd, much tougher tests lie ahead, but with Xavi pulling the strings in the center of midfield there is no reason they cannot make a credible title charge this season.
Meanwhile, Lucas Michel Mendis’ own goal helped Al Ahli hold El Jaish to a 1-1 draw, in other match of the day. Abderrazzaq Hamad-Allah gave El Jaish lead in 38th minute before Mendes error in 66th minute helped Al Ahli share a point with El Jaish.
The next QSL round will begin on September 17.
THE PENINSULA
