Champions Al Sadd wrap up dominant QSL campaign with rout of Qatar SC

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) By Fawad Hussain I The Peninsula Champions Al Sadd concluded their QNB Stars League (QSL) campaign with a 3-0 victory over Qatar SC, wrapping up one of the most dominant performances ever in history of Qatar's premier league event. ‘The Wolves' lifted the Falcon Shield after securing the title in the 18th round and their target from there on was to finish the league without conceding a defeat. The Xavi Hernandez-coached side achieved the task in style at their home turf under lights, handing Qatar SC (32 points) their eighth defeat. After Khaled Mahmoudi's own goal in the third minute, Rodrigo Tabata's spot kick in the 39th minute and Yusuf Abdurisag fabulous hit in the 76th minute sealed victory for Al Sadd. Al Sadd finished with 60 points from 19 wins and three draws, scoring a whopping 77 goals from 22 matches, while conceding only 14 goals. Al Sadd striker Baghdad Bounedjah finished QSL as top scorer with 21 goals. 'It was another outstanding performance from Al Sadd to end the QSL with a victory, Xavi said after the win. 'I am very happy that we managed to finish the QSL without losing. I want to thank the management, all players, coaches, supports staff and particularly our fans. It was a collective effort, Xavi added. 'We are now looking forward to a good performance in the AFC Champions League, which will be a tough challenge. With Xavi starting without captain Hassan Al Haydos and Bounedjah, Abdelkarim Hassan and Tabata led their strong start against Qatar SC. The duo combined for the attack that resulted in an own goal by Mahmoudi, who was trying to block a cross by Hassan. Al Sadd made several dangerous attacks but Qatar SC goalkeeper Jassim Adel made some good saves, warding off dangerous attempts by Ali Asadalla and Abdurisag. ‘The Wolves', however, doubled the lead when a racing Hashim Ali was fouled by Qatar SC captain Mohamed Salim inside the box, with referee instantly handing a penalty. Tabata struck a goal comfortably with a hit in centre by deceiving goalkeeper Adel. Al Sadd returned in the second half to score their third goal with Abdurisag set up by Asadalla putting the ball in. Meanwhile, runners-up Al Duhail also finished the QSL season strongly thrashing Al Ahli 4-0 at their own backyard, in other Round 22 tie yesterday. Al Duhail stars Dudu (35th and 89th minutes) and Michael Olunga (54th and 83rd minutes) led ‘The Red Knights' to victory by scoring a brace each. Al Duhail finished their campaign with 47 points with 15 wins and two draws. In yesterday's last match, substitute Said Mohamed Brahmi Al Khor scored a penalty in 76th minute as Al Khor earned a 1-1 draw against Al Rayyan at Al Sadd Stadium. Franck Kom handed Al Rayyan lead in the 44th minute by scoring from a header. Al Rayyan finished third with 35 points from 10 wins and five draws, while Al Khor ended their campaign with 17 pointsMENAFN10042021000063011010ID1101893531