The third round of the QSL action saw plenty of action in front of goal after the return of the international break here in our weekly feature, QSL online picks out the key talking points from the round.

Laudrup era at Rayyan starts with a draw

Heading into the international break, the reigning QSL champions Al Rayyan where without a head coach, following Jorge Fossati’s move to take up the Qatar national team job.

The Lions hierarchy moved quickly to find a big name to fill the void in Danish coach Michael Laudrup. The former Swansea man is now stranger to the QSL having enjoyed one double winning season with Lekhwiya and expectations were high heading into this first competitive game in charge against Al Sailiya.

It certainly didn’t go to plan for Laudrup after Romanian defender Dragos Grigore struck one of the early contenders for goal of the season to give Al Sailiya the lead. However the champions retained their composure and duly found their way back into the clash thanks to Koh Myong-jin. The tables turned further in the favor of Rayyan when Sailiya striker Faouzi Aaish saw red for a rash challenge.

Al Rayyan pushed hard for a winner, but where denied by a resolute Sailiya backline. Considering that Laudrup has only had a week to train his side, the majority of whom where away on international duty it can be seen as a positive result. Things don’t get any easier for Laudrup when Al Rayyan take on undefeated El Jaish in the QSL match of the week for round four.



Defensive concerns for Lekhwiya after 3-3 thriller

The third round of QSL action saw a match of the week clash between Lekhwiya and Al Sadd. The tie certainly lived up to billing with the sides drawing 3-3 in a rollercoaster draw on Sunday evening at Lekhwiya stadium.

Lekhwiya will be the more disappointed of the two sides, having dominated possession and chances during the game. The Red Knights looked sublime in attack with Nam Tae Hee and summer signing Yusef El Arabi a constant threat for Djamel Belmadi’s side.

However in defensively one crucial mistake on the 82^nd minute gifted Al Sadd an equalizer very much against the run of play. Hamad Ismael’s low cross really should have been dealt with by the Lekhwiya defense however Bagdad Bounjah was on hand at the far post to give his side an unlikely share of the points.

That means Lekhwiya have conceded seven goals in just three QSL matches, and will be a source of concern for head coach Djamel Belmadi. The Algerian tactician will be aiming for a clean sheet when his side takes on Al Wakrah next weekend.


 
El Jaish lead the way- despite shuffling the squad

El Jaish are currently leading the QSL standings after registering three straight wins. Sabri Lamouchi’s side put in a professional performance as they narrowly ran out 1-0 winners against Al Khor.

The victory was all the more impressive seeing that Jaish rested a host of key players ahead of their AFC Champions League Semifinal second leg tie against Al Ain. The likes of Seidou Keita and first choice keeper Khalifa Ababacar where completely rested for the game, which shows the squad depth that the soldiers possess.

El Jaish’s undefeated record is set to be tested when they take on Al Rayyan in the QSL match of the week for round four.