Rodrigo Sanchez netted a brace as Al Arabi defeated Al Shahania 3-1 in Week 12 of the 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League at the Al Thumama Stadium on Friday.

Sanchez’s goals came in the 23rd and 26th minutes before Isaac Lihadji added the third for The Dream Team in the 54th minute, while Al Shahania’s consolation goal came off the boot of Pelle van Amersfoort in the 87th minute.

Al Arabi’s latest victory, their third of the season, increased their points tally to 13, while Al Shahania remained on 11 points.

After a long break, the players on both sides appeared to be fresher and more rejuvenated as they played with great vigour and enthusiasm right from the blast of the opening whistle.

The excitement continued to build up with each passing minute and Al Arabi’s Sanchez had his powerful left-footed shot from long range on the right saved in the 13th minute before an attempt by Van Amersfoort of Al Shahania from an assist by Francesco Antonucci went just inches wide.

With increasing pressure from Al Arabi, it was not too surprising that Al Shahania’s defence eventually caved in the 23rd minute with Sanchez opening the scoring for his side with a powerful left-footer from the centre of the box.

Three minutes later, Sanchez, the former Real Betis attacking midfielder, got his brace of the night, this time from an assist by Ahmed Fathy, to ensure a dream resumption in the league for Al Arabi, who played in the final of QSL Cup during the break, where they were defeated 2-1 by Al Duhail.

Not giving up, Al Shahania made several attempts at reducing the deficit, but Al Arabi stood their ground, ensuring the two-goal lead stood going into the second half of the highly-entertaining encounter.

Al Arabi continued to maintain their dominance in the second half, while Al Shahania’s attempt at cutting the deficit remained unyielding.

Lihadji made it three unreplied goals for Al Arabi in the 54th minute after finishing off a brilliant incursion into the final third of Al Shahania, with Marco Verratti laying up the ball for the Frenchman to finish off with a left-footed shot.

With three goals in the bag, Al Arabi began to cool things down a bit, particularly with the match heading into its final 10 minutes.

Al Shahania got a goal back in the 87th minute through Van Amersfoort, who was beautifully set up by Mohammed Ibrahim following a fast counterattack to give some respite to the visitors.

Despite a late rally from Al Shahania after the goal, Al Arabi ensured that the difference remained the same as the match came to an eventful end.