Al Rayyan 0-0 Qatar Sports Club

Qatar Sports Club picked up what could prove to be a vital point in their fight to stave off relegation after a 0-0 draw against champions Al Rayyan.

The Kings are now just a single point from safety after becoming the first side to hold Rayyan to a draw this season. It’s also the first time that Rayyan have failed to score in a match this campaign.

The result is a huge turnaround for Sebastiao Lazaroni’s men. In the reverse fixture in November, Rayyan hammered QSC 9-0 – a result which included a four-goal haul for Rodrigo Tabata.

But it was a different story on Friday night as QSC continued their survival battle. Boosted by Al Kharaitiyat’s defeat to Al Sadd, QSC went into the game knowing a win would drag them out of the bottom two.

It proved to be a war of attrition at Seham Bin Hamad Stadium. QSC were regularly forced to repel flowing Rayyan attacks but restricted the title winners – who went into the game with 20 wins from 21 matches – thanks to a strong showing from goalkeeper Mohammed Mubarak. He saved brilliantly from Victor Caceres in the second half before being helpless to prevent Tabata’s ferocious shot from smashing off the crossbar.

The Lions, who confirmed the title with a 5-0 thumping of Al Wakrah last weekend, continued pushing for a winner and almost got it when Sebastian Soria headed over in added time.

With the title already in the bag, this match was always more important for QSC than Rayyan. And thanks to a gutsy display, the yellow and blacks are one step closer to pulling off the great escape.

Bounedjah makes long-awaited impact for Al Sadd

Al Sadd 1-0 Al Kharaitiyat

Baghdad Bounedjah scored his first goal of the season to secure Al Sadd a hard-fought win against struggling Al Kharaitiyat.

The Algerian striker, who has missed much of the campaign through injury, came off the bench to grab all three points against a spirited Thunders side.

Sadd captain Xavi Hernandez set up Bounedjah in the 80th minute with a super cross and the 24-year-old capitalised on slack defending to steer his header into the top corner.

The Wolves are now unbeaten in four matches after struggling for consistency during much of the season. Kharaitiyat meanwhile remain in grave danger of slipping into the relegation zone – especially with improving Qatar Sports Club breathing down their necks after a 0-0 draw with Al Rayyan.

In truth, Kharaitiyat will feel unlucky not to have taken a point from this game. Amar Osim’s men created chances in the first half but Burkina Faso striker Yahia Kebe twice failed to convert from close range.

Sadd’s best chance in the opening half fell to Khalfan Ibrahim. The Qatari international hit a left-footed shot from the edge of the area narrowly wide after Kharaitiyat failed to clear Xavi’s floated cross.

With fixtures against Al Gharafa and Al Khor coming up, Kharaitiyat will need to regroup quickly in order to secure their QSL survival. Sadd fans will be hoping their form holds up heading into the Qatar Cup.

Msakni the star as Lekhwiya cement top four spot

Al Khor 0-2 Lekhwiya

Lekhwiya strengthened their place in the top four with 2-0 win over Al Khor.

Youssef Msakni was the star for the Red Knights with a goal and assist at Al Khor Stadium.

Msakni set up on-loan striker Alain Dioko for the opener in the 56th minute. The Tunisian midfielder drove his way through the Khor defence, crossed for Dioko, and the Congolese striker bundled the ball in from a few yards out.

Despite Djamel Belmadi’s men having the bulk of possession, Khor threatened a comeback midway through the second half. Julio Cesar smashed a left-footed effort against the post before Abdulla Mustafa shot wide from 25 yards. Lassina Diaby also created a chance but his effort was well saved by Amine Lecomte-Addani.

Msakni then made the game safe with his 14th goal of the season. Lekhwiya skipper Karim Boudiaf and Ismaeel Muhammed combined to set up Msakni, who side-footed the ball home from ten yards out.

The result moves Lekhwiya on to 41 points and means they’re almost certain to qualify for the Qatar Cup. Khor, on the other hand, still have work to do in order to guarantee their QSL safety.