Form against title rivals the downfall in Al Rayyan retaining QSL falcon shield

Last season’s QSL champions Al Rayyan are the next side under the spotlight as we look at the progress of the teams in the QSL during the international break. Managerial change certainly slowed the momentum initially of the Lions this term; however Rayyan have improved as the season has progressed. Heading into the final games of the season, Al Rayyan are nine points behind league leaders Lekhwiya, and it will take a miracle for Michael Laudrup’s side to retain the QSL falcon shield.

The 2016/2017 QSL season was barely two games old when the Qatar national team turned to Jorge Fossati to lead the Maroons for the remainder of their World Cup Qualification campaign. The Uruguayan coach accepted the offer, leaving with Al Rayyan management with a managerial crisis.

After a short delay, Rayyan announced the signing of Danish coach Michael Laudrup who is no stranger to the QSL having previously led Lekhwiya to a league and cup double, during his first stint in the QSL.  

Laudrup took a few games to find his feet again in the league comfortably picking up wins against teams lower down in the standings. However the major concern was the performances against the sides towards the top of the table, with Rayyan sharing points with El Jaish & Lekhwiya during the first half of the season. Whilst back to back defeats to Al Gharafa and Al Sadd, dealt a major blow to the sides title ambitions.

Rayyan fell to a shock defeat to Al Khor at the end of December, but recovered well going on an eight game unbeaten streak in the league, picking up seven wins in the process. This run, coupled with the decline in form of El Jaish, saw the Lions push into third place in the league.

To date, Al Rayyan has picked up fourteen wins, five draws and four defeats in the league season; recent form also shows that the Lions have only picked up one defeat from their last five QSL outings.Qatar Cup qualification has been assured for Al Rayyan, so the aim now for Michael Laudrup’s side will be to finish the league campaign on the front foot, with the challenges of the two domestic cups ahead.

Crucially last season’s champions could have a major say in the destination of the QSL falcon shield come the end of the season. Rayyan are set to take on Al Sadd in the Qatar Clasico, a victory for the Lions could all but hand the title to Laudrup’s former side Lekhwiya. Next up Al Rayyan will take on Al Arabi in a derby clash, with the season being round off with a tie against Al Khor.

After charging to their first QSL title in twenty one year’s last term; expectations were understandably high amongst the Al Rayyan fans. Poor form against fellow title contenders may have just seen them fall short in the league; however under Laudrup Al Rayyan have every chance of picking up either the Qatar or Emir cups come the end of the season.