Al Duhail defeated Umm Salal 1-0 in Week 12 of the 2020-21 season QNB Stars League at the Qatar SC Stadium on Sunday.

Eduardo Rodriguez (Dudu) scored the all-important goal in the 12th minute.

The result saw Al Duhail raise their tally to 24 points with their eighth victory and Umm Salal remain on 10 points following their sixth defeat.

Going into the match, Umm Salal had not lost their last four games. However, they could not do much against reigning champions Al Duhail, who are in their usual selves of late after initial struggles.

Al Duhail had stormed into the top four by beating Al Khor (6-1) in Week 10 and The Red Knights then beat Al Ahli 5-3 to finish the first leg of the tournament in third position.

Sabri Lamouchi’s side is well on course to retain the title even though they lag behind leaders Al Sadd on points.

Dudu scored the winner in the 12th minute and the stalemate remained right throughout.

Al Duhail dominated the ball with 65 per cent in the first half. Abdullah Al Ahrak set up Almoez Ali in the 39th minute, but the latter could not find the target.

For Umm Salal, Kayke Rodriguez and Abdennour Belhosini made serious attempts in the first half.

Both teams continued to create chances in the second session, but the deadlock remained.