Form against title rivals the downfall in Al Rayyan retaining QSL falcon shield

Former QSL champions Al Rayyan are the next side under the spotlight as we look at the progress of the teams in the QSL over the course of the 2016/2017 season. Managerial change certainly slowed the momentum initially of the Lions this term; however Al Rayyan improved as the season has progressed.

The 2016/2017 QSL season was barely two games old when the Qatar national team turned to Jorge Fossati to lead the Maroons for the remainder of their World Cup Qualification campaign. The Uruguayan coach accepted the offer, leaving with Al Rayyan management with a managerial crisis.

After a short delay, Rayyan announced the signing of Danish coach Michael Laudrup who is no stranger to the QSL having previously led Lekhwiya to a league and cup double, during his first stint in the QSL.  

Laudrup took a few games to find his feet again in the league comfortably picking up wins against teams lower down in the standings. However the major concern was the performances against the sides towards the top of the table, with Rayyan sharing points with El Jaish & Lekhwiya during the first half of the season. Whilst back to back defeats to Al Gharafa and a 5-0 humbling to bitter rivals Al Sadd, dealt a major blow to the sides title ambitions.




Rayyan fell to a shock defeat to Al Khor at the end of December, but recovered well going on an eight game unbeaten streak in the league, picking up seven wins in the process. This run, coupled with the decline in form of El Jaish, saw the Lions push into third place in the league.


Al Rayyan played some of their best football at the turn of the year, and this was highlighted in their comprehensive 5-1 win over Al Ahli in February. The tie was initially a tight and tense affair, but four goals in the second half underlined the Lions attacking prowess.

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​After charging to their first QSL title in twenty one year’s during the 2015/2016 campaign; expectations were understandably high amongst the Al Rayyan fans. Poor form against fellow title contenders may have just seen them fall short in the league.

The club has moved quickly in the transfer market this summer to address issues in the squad. With Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, formally of El Jaish coming in to replace Spanish striker Sergio Garcia who has left the club. Hopefully the striker will be joined by further Qartari talent as Al Rayyan plot to return to the very top of the QSL standings for the new 2017/2018 season.