QSL relegation battle heating up

With just two rounds left to play, the quest to beat the drop for two QSL sides is heating up. It seems that the battle is between Qatar SC in 13^th place and Al Kharitiyat who are one point above them in 12^th position.

Both teams managed to grab solitary points in round 24- With Qatar SC holding on against high flying El Jaish. Whilst Al Kharitiyat needed an 88th minute equalizer from striker Yahia Kebe to rescue a point against Al Khor on Sunday evening.

Going into the final two games, both sides will be looking at maximum points to secure their status in the league. Ahead of them are Al Khor and Al Wakrah who have a six point gap from the drop, don’t be surprised if one of those sides could be pulled back into the relegation dog-fight.
 




Form on Sadd’s side ahead of Clasico

Al Sadd’s 3-2 victory over Sailiya could have big ramifications going into the end of season battle for trophies. The Wolves seem to be finding their feet at the right time, and this was optimized by coming back from two goals down to sink a spirited Sailiya side.

Jesaldo Ferreria’s side are now unbeaten in six QSL games, and go into the Qatar Clasico in fine form. Sadd also have form in the Clasico this season sinking Al Rayyan 2-1 in an entertaining clash.  This was Al Rayyan’s first defeat of the domestic season.  Since lifting the title Rayyan have only picked up one point from a possible nine including back to back defeats to El Jaish and Al Gharafa.

It would seem to be advantage Al Sadd going into the Clasico.
 
Who needs Sascha?

Many Al Wakrah fans would have been worried when the club announced that star striker Sascha was out for their match against former QSL champions Lekhwiya.  Despite the injury blow, it seems that the Blue Waves didn’t need the striker who currently has 16 goals for his side this season.

Instead Mauricio Larriera’s side relied on the attacking duo of Mahir Yousef and Mouhcine Moutouali. They certainly didn’t disappoint, scoring a goal each and assisting each other in a fine 2-0 win taking Lekhwiya on the counter attack.

Wakrah will welcome back Sascha in round 25 for their bottom of the table clash with Al Kharitiyat, Mauricio Larriera will be hoping the Argentine could grab a few more goals to guarantee safety for Wakrah for another season.
 



Lekhwiya loss leaves door open for Umm Salal

Not many QSL fans would have expected Lekhwiya to have lost to Al Wakrah in round 24. But the international break took its toll on Djamel Beladi’s squad, with several players returning back to Qatar on Thursday morning ahead of the Friday evening match.

However Lekhwiya’s loss could be Umm Salal’s gain, should the final results of the season favour the Orange Fortress. Umm Salal pulled off a gutsy 1-0 victory over would be top-4 rivals Al Arabi on Saturday evening. The result effectively eliminated Arabi from the top-4 race.

Bülent Uygun’s side now have a three point gap to chase, meaning that they will be looking for a perfect run in the final games of the season and hope Lekhwiya drop some points to steal a Qatar Cup place this season.
 
 
Al Ahli confirms safety with win.

Al Ahli has confirmed their status in the QSL for another season with a victory over Meisameer. The Brigadeers ran out 2-0 winners against lowly Meisameer.

Current player of the month Meshall Abdulla popped up with the winner on the 52^nd minute to confirm the win. Ahli are now unbeaten in three QSL games, that run has propelled Yusef Adam’s relegation candidates to ninth in the QSL standings, nine points away from the drop zone.

Ahli will be looking for another famous scalp in round 25 when they take on Lekhwiya.