With emphatic back-to-back victories in their first two rounds, former champions Al Rayyan have sent out a stern warning to rivals that they are targeting nothing less than regaining the QNB Stars League (QSL) title.
The 2015 champions are on top of the points table, edging Al Sadd and debutants Al Duhail on basis of a better goal difference. Michael Laudrup’s side opened their account with a 4-2 win over Al Khor and earned another three points with a 3-1 rout of Al Kharaitiyat.
Laudrup must be happy the way his team opened the title campaign, displaying a team effort with seasoned Sebastain Soria (pictured) showing a golden form.
He scored a fantastic brace against Al Kharaitiyat and Al Rayyan must be hoping the same form from the striker as the league progresses.
However, it would not be a walk in the park for Laudrup’s men as Al Duhail and Al Sadd – the other two main title contenders – are also yet to lose a point and are gaining momentum.
Specifically Al Duhail – formed with the merger of QSL champions Lekhwiya and El Jaish – also enjoyed a perfect start with two wins. They started with a fighting 3-2 victory over Qatar SC and brushed aside Al Arabi 2-0, in a rather comfortable win.
Midfielder Yusef Msakni, who has been given the captain’s armband, is leading the side from front particularly his performance against Al Arabi was phenomenal. Al Rayyan and Al Duhail will clash in round 3 what will be a real treat for avid fans.
Al Sadd, on the other hand, are missing the spark but have managed to accumulate 6 points from two rounds. Their loss against Al Markhiya was reversed after the latter side was penalised for fielding an ineligible player. However, they registered their first genuine victory by defeating Al Sailiya 3-2 on Saturday.
Xavi’s team remains a threat for opponents and look set to gain momentum as the competition builds.
Umm Salal is the only other side in the 12-team competition which remains unbeaten after a goalless stalemate against Al Gharafa following their opening victory. The Orange Fortress have got off to a commendable start, occupying fourth spot on the points table.
Mahmoud Jaber’s side will be looking to extend their undefeated streak to three games when they take on Al Ahli in round three.
In other highlight of round two, Qatar SC picked up their first points of the season with a hard fought 1-0 win over fellow promoted side Al Markhiya on Friday. Gabriel Calderon has Nigerian attacker Michael Babatunde for the win after a drilled shot found its way into the back of the net on the 23rd minute.
The Kings dominated early proceedings and deservedly took the lead. More encouraging for coach Calderon will be how is back line was able to withstand late Markhiya pressure and hold on for a vital three points.
Qatar SC will be looking to maintain winning ways when they take on Al Arabi in round three, which is expected to bring more pace to QSL.
