The fourth round of the QSL action saw plenty of key results. Here in our weekly feature, QSL online picks out the key talking points from the round.




M&M can fire Al Ahli to Qatar Cup places

Al Ahli caused the shock result of round four, downing local rivals Al Arabi 2-1 in the derby. Luka Bonačić has drilled his side well in the opening four games, and had registered only one defeat so far this season. Central to the Brigadiers good work has been the attacking duo of Mubele and Meshal.

Curiously dubbed ‘M&M’ on social media after the game, the pair put Al Arabi to the sword with two goals of real quality in the first half. D.R Congo international Mubele struck on the 24^th minute with a sublime piece of close control to flick the ball over a defender with his right foot, before smashing the ball in with his left.

Not to be outdone Mubele’s strike partner Meshal Abdullah placed a cheeky chipped penalty past Arabi keeper Rajab Hamza to double his side’s advantage five minutes before half time. Al Arabi grabbed a last gasp consolation in second half stoppage time, but Ahli held on to leapfrog their local rivals into fourth place in the QSL standings.



Garcia saves Al Rayyan at the death

Reigning QSL champions Al Rayyan have Spanish striker Sergio Garcia to thank for rescuing the points against title rivals El Jaish on Saturday evening. Michael Laudrup’s side failed to convince in their match against the soldiers and only registered three shots on target. Fortunately for the Lions, Sergio Garcia’s spectacular last gasp strike found the back of the net to spare Al Rayyan blushes.

Michael Laudrup will have plenty of concerns with his side going into their fifth round clash following the draw with El Jaish, namely the lack of form of his attackers.  Strikers Rodrigo Tabata and Ahmed Alaa have yet to convince in front of goal, and where guilty of missing a host of chances against El Jaish.  Laudrup will be hoping that his side can step up and register their first win of the season under his stewardship when Al Rayyan takes on Al Kharitiyat on Saturday evening.



Resiliant Shahania can beat the drop

Newly promoted Al Shahania has surprised many with their solid start to life in the QSL. This week Shahania registered an impressive 1-1 draw against Al Gharafa in what was a composed defensive performance from the side west of Doha.

The Oryxes needed a slice of luck to draw with Al Gharafa on Thursday evening, after being awarded a second half stoppage time penalty. Thankfully for Jose Fernando’s side midfielder Kaled Gourmi kept his nerve and tucked away the spot kick in what could be a vital point, come the end of the season.

Al Shahania are currently in eight spot in the QSL standings and will be targeting their second win of the season when they take on Al Sailiya in the opening match of round five. Under this kind of form, Shahania can perhaps buck the odds and survive the dreaded drop this season.