Al Rayyan's Gabriel Pereira celebrates after scoring a goal. RIGHT: Al Rayyan's Roger Guedes (right) in action during a match against Lusail at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Gabriel Pereira’s first-half strike gave Al Rayyan a winning start as the Qatar Stars League season got underway, with the former champions edging debutants Lusail SC 1-0 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium yesterday.
Qatar SC and Al Wakrah shared a 2-2 draw in the first match on the opening day with both sides settling for a point in an entertaining contest.
Pereira broke the deadlock in 43rd minute, racing into the box from the right to meet Gregore’s cross and firing a left-footed shot past a diving Arsha Shakouri into the bottom corner.
Lusail, playing their first match in the top flight, responded well and showed enough attacking intent to trouble Al Rayyan. Hamidreza Firouzi produced a fine run into the danger area, but the resulting effort went narrowly wide of the right post.
Al Rayyan had opportunities to add a second after the break, but Shakouri kept Lusail in the game with several good saves.
Last season’s top scorer Roger Guedes saw his effort blocked in front of goal on the hour mark before Pereira missed a golden chance four minutes later, shooting wide of the left post with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Lusail grew in confidence as the second half progressed and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. The newcomers then had strong claims for a penalty in the 88th minute when substitute Tiago Geralnik went down inside the box after appearing to be caught from behind by Jassem Gaber.
The referee, however, waved away the appeal and indicated that Geralnik may have tripped, a decision that came as a relief to Al Rayyan, who opened their campaign with three points.
Qatar SC, Al Wakrah in 2-2 draw
At Lusail Stadium, Aron Gunnarsson scored the first goal of the new top-flight season, putting Qatar SC ahead in the 18th minute.
The Icelandic midfielder volleyed home from close range on the rebound after Niall Mason’s initial effort was blocked by the goalkeeper following a corner.
Al Wakrah pressed for an equaliser, with Almahdi Ali coming close in a see-saw contest.
Redouane Berkane restored parity just before half-time, latching onto a through pass from the left, rounding a defender and slotting home with a low angled shot.
Action during the match between Qatar SC and Al Wakrah.
Al Wakrah started the second half brightly, with Luis Alberto narrowly missing the left post before Amine Zouhzouh put them ahead from the spot in the 67th minute after Fallou Diouf was penalised for a foul on Berkane.
But Bruno Tabata rescued a point for Qatar SC in the 79th minute, capitalising on a goalkeeping error by Mohammed Al Bakri.
Al Shamal eye winning start
Today, last season’s runners-up Al Shamal will take on Al Arabi at Al Thumama Stadium hoping to kickstart their campaign with three points.
“We are excited for the start of new season, after a period of rest following the end of last season, which was followed by a training camp in preparation for the new season,” said Al Shamal coach David Prats.
“Our first league match will be tough and challenging against a very good team, Al Arabi, which is considered one of the best teams in the league thanks to its highly skilled players and top-level coaching staff,” said Prats.
Al Arabi coach Cosmin Contra said his side are well prepared for the new season but must remain focused.
“Starting the season with a positive result is very important. We have worked hard during the preparation period, including our overseas training camp, and the team is physically and technically ready to begin the league with full focus.”
“The first round always has a special character and requires discipline and composure. We respect Al Shamal, who have strong players and big ambitions, so we must be careful and make the most of our scoring opportunities from the opening minutes.”
Earlier today, Al Gharafa and Al Shahania will face off at Khalifa International Stadium.
