Al Sadd's Rafa Mujica gestures after completing his hat-trick.
DOHA: Rafa Mujica scored his second hat-trick in as many games as defending champions Al Sadd blanked Al Shamal 3-0 to claim crucial Qatar Stars League points at Al Shamal Sports Club.
Six days after steering the Wolves to a 4-2 comeback win over Shabab Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite match with a substitute hat-trick, the Spanish forward struck once in the first half and twice in the second to secure a comprehensive victory over second-placed Al Shamal.
Al Sadd climbed to third with 20 points, edging Al Rayyan on goal difference, just one point behind Al Shamal and five off leaders Al Gharafa.
Mujica opened the scoring in the 18th minute, latching onto a through ball from Roberto Firmino and slotting past keeper Babacar Seck into the left corner from the centre of the box.
Akram Afif set up Mujica for his second in the 50th minute with a precise low pass that Mujica converted from inside the box.
Three minutes later, Mujica completed his treble, getting a touch on Paulo Silva’s cross to beat Seck, who failed to hold the ball.
“I am very happy with the win and to have contributed to this great victory alongside my teammates,” Mujica said.
“We knew the importance of the match, so we approached it with seriousness and determination. Scoring three goals for the second consecutive game makes me very happy, and this success is thanks to the support and combined efforts of everyone.”
Later at Al Thumama Stadium, Umm Salal produced a strong second-half performance to thrash Al Ahli 3-0, moving up from the bottom.
Oussama Tannane opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a long-range strike, followed by Cristo Gonzalez six minutes later. Antonio Mance wrapped up the victory with a powerful effort from just outside the box.
Umm Salal climbed to 10th with nine points, one ahead of Al Sailiya and two clear of bottom-side Al Shahania.
“This victory is a huge motivation for us and will hopefully keep us on track. The spirit was high, everyone gave their best, and we were all united and determined from start to finish,” said Umm Salal’s Adil Tahif.
Al Ahli remained ninth with 12 points following their seventh defeat midway through the season.
