Al Sadd: Al Sadd took a big step towards another title following a 2-1 victory over Al Rayyan in a thrilling Week 20 match (Qatar Clasico) of the 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium of Al Rayyan club on Saturday.

According to Qatar News Agency, Al Sadd’s triumph came after overcoming an early setback when Adam Bareiro scored for Al Rayyan in the 56th minute. Al Sadd responded with determination as Rafa Mujica netted the equalizer in the 67th minute, followed by Giovani’s decisive goal in the 69th minute. This victory marked Al Sadd’s 15th win of the league, the most by any team, and propelled them to the top of the standings with 46 points, two points ahead of Al Duhail, who suffered a 0-4 defeat to Al Shamal. Al Rayyan remained on 27 points.

Both teams displayed an aggressive style of play, consistently attacking each other’s goals. Al Rayyan initiated the first offensive move in the seventh minute with a Murad Naji lob, but Hazem Shehata’s shot went over the bar. In the 26th minute, Al Rayyan’s Mohammed Surag attempted a strike but was flagged offside.

In the 32nd minute, Al Sadd’s Akram Afif made a move into the striking zone, but his attempt was blocked by Rayyan’s goalkeeper Samy Beldi. Minutes later, Afif set up a pass for Claudio Luiz Leonel, whose shot went directly to Beldi.

The second half saw Al Rayyan intensify their efforts. Roger Guedes managed to catch a long free-kick inside the box, but his shot was blocked by Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham. The rebound was capitalized by Bareiro, who scored the opening goal.

However, Al Sadd quickly retaliated, with Afif orchestrating a play that allowed Paulo Otavio to cross the ball to Mujica, who scored a header to equalize. Shortly after, Pedro Miguel’s powerful drive from the right was deflected into the net by Giovani, giving Al Sadd the lead.

Despite Al Rayyan’s attempts to equalize, including a close free-kick from Guedes, Al Sadd’s defense, led by Barsham, held strong to secure the win.