Al Rayyan won 4-2 against Al Sadd in a simply breathtaking encounter in Week 6 of the 2019-20 QNB Stars League, the first Qatar Clasico of the season, at the Al Sadd Stadium on Saturday.

Al Rayyan’s goals were scored by Gabriel Mercado (26th minute), Rodrigo Tabata (43rd), Abdulaziz Hatem (59th) and Yacine Brahimi (70th  minute).

For Al Sadd, Nam Tae-Hee and Baghdad Bounedjah scored in the 28th and 54th minute respectively. 

With both sides going into the match unbeaten this season, there was a bit of spice to it as the teams competed to not only win the Qatar Clasico, but also to maintain their super form.

Much was on offer for a raucous crowd as the pre-match buzz found its way to the large number of fans present at the stadium.

Naturally, the energy acted as a stimulant to the players who were quick into action as they sought hero status in the Qatar Clasico. The first chance of the match fell to Bounedjah in the opening minutes, but his strike from the byline was excellently saved by the sprawling legs of Fahad Younis.

Shortly after, Al Rayyan thought they had taken the lead, but Tabata’s shot was disallowed as it ricocheted off Mowafak Adam en route to goal. The Lions did finally score midway through the half when Tabata’s out-swinging corner was met by a super volley from Mercado and blasted into the roof of the net.

The cliche of being most vulnerable when you have just scored came true as Al Sadd were back on level terms within two minutes. Akram Afif caused havoc in the penalty area before sliding the ball back to Nam who powered it inside the post and past the goalkeeper.

Al Rayyan were able to take a half-time lead in the closing minutes when Brahimi’s accurate drive was saved by Saad Al Dossari with Tabata on hand to finish off the rebound. 

Those hoping to catch their breath in the second half had no time to settle as The Wolves came straight out of the traps and were unfortunate not to have equalised when Bounedjah’s goal was seen to be marginally offside.

Bounedjah, however, was not to be denied for long as he rose highest in the penalty area to cushion Hamed Ismail’s cross into the far corner with a beautiful header.

Once again, Al Rayyan found themselves ahead in no time when the imperious Brahimi slalomed into the box before releasing Hatem whose shot squirmed under the despairing arms of Al Dossari.

Brahimi put the result beyond doubt when he wrestled his way into the box before launching a vicious strike which the goalkeeper was not able to save.

Brahimi did have a penalty saved late on, but the damage was already done and Al Rayyan held on for a famous and well-deserved victory in what was another marvelous advertisement for the QNB Stars League.

Al Rayyan now find themselves level on 12 points with Al Sadd who still have an extra game, against Al Arabi, in hand.