Al Rayyan secure Derby spoils with 3-0 win over Al Arabi 

QSL champions Al Rayyan secured Doha Derby bragging rights on Saturday evening with a 3-0 win against bitter rivals Al Arabi on Saurday evening. Goals from Koh Myong-jin, Sebastian Soria and a Vivien Assie Koua own goal ensured it was a comfortable evening for Michael Laudrup’s side who looked the stronger side throughout the tie.

It was the home side Al Arabi who notched the first chance of the evening, and started quickly with the aim of unsettling the reigning QSL champions. With just a minute on the clock, Al Arabi midfielder Omar Al-Amadi finished off a quick passing move to hit a low drive from outside the penalty area which was comfortably saved by Rayyan keeper Omar Barry.

Rayyan enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening exchanges, but it was Al Arabi who looked livelier on the break. striker Imoh Ezekiel went on a mazy run into the Al Rayyan half however the Nigerian international was eventually stopped by Rayyan  defender Mohammed Alaaeldin. 

Koh Myong-jin broke the deadlock for Al Rayyan on the 20th minute, a mele in the Al Arabi penalty area saw the ball fall to South Korean international just outside of the penalty area. Koh promptly drilled the ball into the bottom left hand corner for for the opener, much to the delight of the away fans. 

Five minutes later the Lions doubled their lead captain Rodrigo Tabata was bundled down in the box, and the referee promptly pointed to the penalty spot. After some time waiting Sebastian Soria stepped up and thumped the ball past Rajab Hamza hitting the cross bar in the process. 

Al Rayyan were in the ascendancy and could of easily had a third however Rodrigo Tabata’s curling free-kick flew just wide of the Al Arabi cross bar. Again, Al Arabi started the second half strongly and perhaps should of clawed back a goal in the opening minute of the second period. A deflected shot came off Al Rayyan defender Nathan and thumped off the cross bar.

Whilst the other end Spanish striker Sergio Garcia struck a fine shot which was well saved by Rajab Hamza. The resulting corner from Rodrigo Tabata curled into the Al Arabi penalty box and was eventually stabbed in off the foot of Arabi defender Vivien Assie Koua. The reigning QSL champions had a comprehensive three goal lead. 

The match was going the way of the QSL champions and with 65 minutes on the clock young Qatari winger Abdurahman Al-Harazi saw his shot flash over the bar. Six minutes later Al-Harazi was a amongst the chances again. A slick passing move between Sergio Garcia and Rodrigo Tabata well to the winger, however his chipped effort inched just wide. 

Arabi began to dominate possession as the tie went into the final twenty minutes, however The Dream Team lacked a cutting edge in the final third when it mattered. Time and time again Al Arabi were shut down by the resolute Al Rayyan defence. The result leaves Al Rayyan within a point of fourth placed Al Gharafa, whilst Al Arabi’s stop-start season continues with the Dream Team now in seventh place in the QSL standings.