Last night’s Qatar Clasico saw Al Sadd thump the reigning QSL champions Al Rayyan 5-0 in a typically fiery encounter at Al Sadd stadium. At QSL online we have decided to look over five things we learnt from one of the biggest games of the Qatari football calendar.

Al Rayyan needs Cáceres back and fast.

Paraguayan Víctor Cáceres was an underrated member of the Lions squad that swept to the QSL title last season. The no nonsense defensive midfielder was sorely missed in the Qatar Clasico as Al Rayyan conceded four goals in the second half to a rampant Al Sadd side.

Cáceres would have been ideal in the center of midfield breaking up the Al Sadd play and distributing to the attackers. However the former Flamengo man has yet to start a game this season after picking up an ankle injury during preseason training.

The Paraguayan international is set to make a return to the side in the next few weeks and it can’t come soon enough for head coach Michael Laudrup.

Attack on fire for Al Sadd

Al Sadd’s attaching trio of Jugurtha Hamroun, Baghdad Bounedjah and Xavi stepped up for the Wolves during the Qatar Clasico having a say in all five goals. Each player contributed man of the match performances against Al Rayyan and has all enjoyed solid starts to the season.

Baghdad Bounedjah lead the line perfectly in the game and a fine hat-trick meant that he returned to the top of the goal scoring charts. Jugurtha Hamroun and captain Xav chipped in with a goal and an assist each to confirm their dominance for the Wolves who blew away Rayyan in the second half.



Al Rayyan could struggle to retain the QSL title

What a difference a year makes. This time last season Al Rayyan were on their eleven game winning run that lead them to the QSL falcon come the end of the season. Flash forward 12 months and The Lions are seemlingly stuttering in fifth place and nine points behind current league leaders El Jaish.

Central to Al Rayyan falling short this term has been a shift in focus from attack to defense under new coach Michael Laudup. This result aside Al Rayyan have tightened up defensively, sacrificing attacking flair in the process. Rayyan will be aiming to get back to their goal scoring best when they take on relegation threatened Al Wakrah in round 11.

Al Sadd won the midfield battle

Qatar Clasico’s are often won on who can control the middle of the park. Thankfully for Al Sadd it was the two players at the base of midfield who won out against Al Rayyan. Both Salem Al-Hajri and Qatar international Mohammed Kasola put in a real shift in their defensive midfield positions to deny Al Rayyan time and space to mount attacks, particularly in the second half.

Kasola has thrived in his new position in recent weeks and a combination of tough tackling and composure on the ball has helped Al Sadd concede only two goals in three QSL games. Likewise youngster Salem Al-Hajri has showed experience beyond his years in his role as a combative midfielder. This duo could hold the key to Al Sadd’s potential title success.
 
Passionate fans pushed Al Sadd to victory

Al Sadd’s fans came out in force to support their side in the Qatar Clasico last night, and played a decisive role in swinging the match in favor of the Wolves. The side was boisterous throughout, shouting their support and willing their side on against their biggest rivals in the QSL.

Their passionate cheering was rewarded with a 5-0 win, securing them important bragging rights over Al Rayyan. No wonder the Al Sadd squad heading straight over to the fans to celebrate following the full-time whistle.