QSL title in the sights of ruthless Lekhwiya

Lekhwiya is the next side under the spotlight as we look at the progress of the teams in the QSL during the international break. Djamel Belmadi’s side are currently top of the QSL standings heading into the final three games of the season, with a slender two point advantage over their nearest rivals Al Sadd. The Red Knights know full well that by winning all three of their final three games will ensure that they lift the coveted QSL falcon shield for the fifth time in six seasons.

Lekhwiya started the QSL in typical bullish form, scoring plenty of goals with summer signing Yusef El Arabi immediately settling, scoring seven goals in his opening five matches for his new side. Whilst the side also showed plenty of fighting spirit to come from behind to register a 5-4 over Al Gharafa thanks to a last minute strike from South Korean midfielder Nam Tae Hee.

Understandably Lekhwiya shared the points with title rivals Al Sadd and Al Rayyan, however a 2-2 draw in late November to Al Khor, certainly seemed to irk the Red Knights ever intense coach Djamel Belmadi. Lekhwiya promptly went on a fine winning run in the league, notching nine straight wins in a row. A record 10-0 win over Al Shahania coupled by a comprehensive 3-0 win over Al Gharafa and a narrow 2-1 victory over title rivals Al Sadd but Lekhwiya in the box seat for the QSL title.

Lowly Al Wakrah broke the winning streak with a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Lekhwiya fighting back from three goals down to share the points. Whilst Lekhwiya shared the points with Al Rayyan in a 1-1 draw in early February to maintain their strong record against their title rivals. Finally after 21 rounds of the season, Lekhwiya tasted defeat for the first time this season, with Umm Salal registering an impressive 3-1 win.

Whilst after the shock of defeat, Lekhwiya have fought back with two wins in the league over Al Sailiya and Al Kharaitiyat, which has led them to leading the QSL standings. To date, Lekhwiya have registered seventeen wins five draws and just one defeat this season. With only two points between Lekhwiya and second placed Al Sadd, the Red Knights have a clear mission of three straight wins to lift the QSL falcon shield.

The Red Knights will have to be at full concentration in their remaining games if they are to win their fifth QSL title. First up will be a tough challenge in the form of El Jaish, who will like nothing more than to deny the title for their local rivals. Next up will be a clash against mid-table Al Ahli, whilst Lekhwiya’s season ends with a match against Al Shahania who could be fighting for survival on the final day of the season.

Lekhwiya’s season to date can be perfectly underlined up by the performances of summer signing Yusef El Arabi. The Moroccan international striker has been nothing short of ruthless in front of goal, to date scoring 24 goals in just 18 QSL games. Djamel Belmadi’s side now have to show that same ruthless aggression to grind out these three final wins to assure their fifth ever QSL falcon shield.