Al Rayyan have exceeded all expectations this season and look certain to claim the 2015/16 QSL title this weekend when they face Al Wakrah.
The Lions need just one more point to claim a first Falcon Shield since 1995 after a quite outstanding campaign. Jorge Fossati’s men have won 19 of their 20 matches so far and lost just once – in the Qatar Classico to Al Sadd.
In truth, Rayyan had the league sewn up before the winter break. None of the title contenders, including reigning champions Lekhwiya, El Jaish and Al Sadd, have come close to challenging Rodrigo Tabata and Co. Even an eight-game winning run from Lekhwiya was too little; too late to have a bearing on the title race, such has been Rayyan’s dominance.
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Rayyan benefitted from winnable fixtures in their opening five games. Their campaign opened with a 4-0 win over Al Sailiya and was followed up with victories over Al Kharaitiyat (2-1), Umm Salal (3-1), Mesaimeer (2-0) and Al Khor (4-2).
The first real test came in the form of Gianfranco Zola’s rejuvenated Al Arabi, and Rayyan passed it with flying colours. A crushing 5-2 victory served as notice to the rest of the division that Rayyan meant serious business this season.
A week later and Lekhwiya were the opponents. Djamel Belmadi’s men went into the game on the back of successive defeats but were still tipped to cause Rayyan problems. In the end, they were swept aside 3-1 after Fossati’s men fought back from a goal down to take all three points. If nothing else, this result showed Rayyan possessed genuine belief – even against one of the league’s strongest sides.
At this point, Rayyan’s passionate fans were dreaming of a first title in 21 years. Their lead at the top was already significant, and it was increased after four more victories, including a 9-0 humbling of Qatar Sports Club – a match which included a four-goal haul for Tabata.
The next big test for Rayyan came in the Qatar Classico against fierce rivals Al Sadd. It was a pulsating game at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium and the Lions succumbed to a narrow 2-1 defeat. It remains their only loss.
Since returning from the winter break Rayyan have proved unbeatable. Their rivals, on the other hand, have failed to find any consistency. Lekhwiya and El Jaish keep swapping places in second spot, and each week the gap at the top has been getting bigger.
Rayyan’s front three have been outstanding all season. Inspirational captain Tabata has been ably supported by Sebastian Soria and Sergio Garcia. Soria, who arrived in the summer from Lekhwiya, has played like he has a point to prove all season, while Garcia has chipped in with vital goals – particularly during Tabata’s recent absence due to a hamstring injury.
It’s Tabata though who the history books will focus on this season. The 35-year-old has been a revelation and currently stands as the league’s top scorer and assist maker. At times, he has dragged Rayyan over the line, including during the recent 2-0 win over Mesaimeer, which was goal-less until Tabata stepped up to score a magnificent free-kick in the 89th minute.
Head coach Fossati has also proved an astute appointment. The Uruguayan led Al Sadd to a domestic treble in 2007, and he could do something similar with Rayyan this season. Fossati has proved a calming influence on the squad – throughout the campaign he has played down the team’s success and guarded against any degree of complacency.
This Saturday’s game against Wakrah looks set to prove nothing less than a title procession. Even the most pessimistic Rayyan fan cannot deny that the Falcon Shield will soon sit proudly in the club’s trophy cabinet. The challenge now is to continue their dominance in the cup competitions before preparing for next season’s AFC Champions League. Rayyan fans will be hoping the best is yet to come.
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