Round 16 of the QSL season saw big results at both the top and the bottom of the QSL standings along with new signings making the difference for their respective teams. Here in our regular Talking points feature we break down the moments that mattered in the round.

Lekhwiya took a big step in claiming their fifth ever QSL falcon shield with a last-gasp 2-1 win over second placed Al Sadd on Friday evening. Club captain Mohammed Musa was the hero for the Red Knights, being the quickest to react at the back post on the 88^th minute.

The game was a tight and tetchy affair; however Lekhwiya deserved the win on the balance of play. The result is even more impressive given the fact that Djamel Belmadi’s side where cut down to ten men moments before the goal, after Luis Martin was sent off for his second yellow card of the game.  The win means Lekhwiya are five points clear at the top of the standings with ten rounds left to play.

Whilst at the bottom of the table the race tightened up again as a host of clubs secured points to aid their survival push. The bottom seven clubs are separated by just six points at the moment, and at this stage every point is crucial.



Al Ahli relived some pressure on Qatari coach Yusef Adam with a 2-0 away win against fellow strugglers Al Wakrah. January signing Ali Ferydoon had a say in both goals in five first half minutes as the Brigadiers registered only their second win under Yusef Adam since he returned to the club. Ahli will be targeting back to back wins for the first time this season when they take on Al Arabi in one of round 17’s stand out fixtures.

Three other relegation threated sides secured draws against highly regarded opposition. Al Khor came away from their match against El Jaish with a point in a 0-0 stalemate on Friday evening. Likewise Al Shahania and Umm Salal shared the points with a 1-1 draw.

The most impressive result of the weekend has to go to bottom of the table Muaither who came from two goals behind to secure a 2-2 draw against top four chasing Al Gharafa. Phillipe Birol’s side exhibited an excellent second half performance to fight back thanks to goals from Bruno Aguiar and a first goal in the QSL from young midfielder Nasser Al-Nassr. The Stallions have registered two draws in as many games, and will be looking to cause an upset when they take on Al Sadd in round 17.