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Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd sealed a record-extending 19th Qatar Stars League title in fittingly dramatic fashion, edging Al Shamal 3-2 in a gripping final-day decider at packed Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday.
On a night that captured the essence of a season defined by tension, the defending champions looked in control early on. Akram Afif set the tone in the 20th minute before Roberto Firmino struck just two minutes later, sending the home crowd into celebration as Al Sadd surged into a commanding lead.
But this was never going to be straightforward as Al Shamal, chasing a historic first title, refused to fold.
Even after being reduced to 10 men following Abdessamed Bounacer’s red card early in the second half, they responded with remarkable resolve. Baghdad Bounedjah reignited the contest in the 65th minute, capitalising on a quick break to pull one back and shift momentum.
The response from Al Sadd was immediate. Paulo Otavio restored the two-goal cushion just three minutes later with a composed low finish, seemingly steadying nerves. Yet the drama was far from over.
Jeison Murillo’s penalty in the 85th minute ensured a tense finale, as Al Shamal threw everything forward in search of goals that could have rewritten history. But Al Sadd held firm, their experience proving decisive in the closing moments.
The final whistle triggered scenes of celebration, confirming a third successive title for Al Sadd and further cementing their dominance.
“I would like to congratulate the players, the technical and administrative staff, and the fans of Al Sadd Club on this important title. Winning the league for the third time in a row is not easy; it is the result of daily effort and great commitment from everyone within the team,” said Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini.
“What distinguishes Al Sadd this season is that we did not rely on one player or a specific group, but rather we had an integrated team capable of providing solutions in various circumstances.
Firmino added: “We are very proud of this victory, and I am proud to be part of Al Sadd. We are happy to have won again for our fans.”
"Winning the league is the fruit of a full season's efforts."
Al Sadd finished the season on 45 points, five clear of Al Shamal, with both sides securing qualification for next season’s AFC Champions League Elite – a fitting reward after a title race that went right down to the wire.
Al Shamal coach David Prats praised his side, saying: “We will continue to play good football and return in the Amir Cup quarter-final on Friday.”
Al Rayyan seal third place with emphatic win, secure ACL Two berth
The rest of the matches in the final round were played simultaneously earlier in the day, deciding the top-four positions as well as the relegation battle.
At Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan produced a commanding display to defeat Al Arabi 4-0 and secure third place with 38 points, along with qualification for next season’s AFC Champions League Two.
Vicente Moreno’s side controlled proceedings from start to finish, striking twice in each half. Rodrigo opened the scoring in the 26th minute before Roger Guedes doubled the lead in the 42nd minute with his 21st goal of the season.
The Brazilian forward will receive the Mansour Muftah Award for top scorer at the upcoming QFA Awards.
After the break, Khalid Ali Sabah added a third in the 49th minute, before Wesley Ribeiro completed the rout in the 71st minute. Al Arabi finished seventh on 32 points.
Al Gharafa ended their campaign in fourth place with 36 points after a 1-1 draw with Al Shahania.
Yacine Brahimi gave Al Gharafa the lead in the 48th minute, but Francesco Antonucci struck a dramatic equaliser in the 100th minute to secure a crucial point for Al Shahania.
The result helped Al Shahania avoid automatic relegation, as they finished 11th with 21 points and will now face Al Kharaitiyat, runners-up in the Second Division, in a playoff to retain their top-flight status.
Al Rayyan’s Roger Guedes (right) celebrates with teammate Rodrigo during match against Al Arabi. Guedes scored 21 goals in the season, and will receive the Mansour Muftah Award.
Al Gharafa could still earn an AFC Champions League Two spot if the top three finishers in the league go on to win this season’s Amir Cup.
At Khalifa International Stadium, Tuta scored twice to lead Al Duhail to a 2-1 win over Qatar SC.
The Brazilian opened the scoring in the 13th minute, before Faiz Selemani levelled for Qatar SC in the 42nd minute. Tuta restored Al Duhail’s lead in the 55th minute to secure the three points. Al Duhail were reduced to 10 men after Ibrahima Bamba was sent off for a second yellow card, but held on to finish fifth with 33 points. Qatar SC ended sixth on 32 points.
Umm Salal relegated after defeat to Al Ahli
At Stadium 974, Umm Salal were relegated to the Second Division following a 3-1 defeat to Al Ahli. They will be replaced by Second Division champions Lusail SC.
Islam Yaseen (5’), Michel Vlap (48’) and Julian Draxler (57’) scored for Al Ahli, while Oussama Tannane (69’) netted for Umm Salal. Al Ahli finished ninth with 26 points, while Umm Salal ended bottom of the table with 20 points.
Al Wakrah concluded their season in eighth place, one point ahead of Al Ahli, after a 3-1 victory over Al Sailiya at Al Thumama Stadium. Luis Alberto scored twice, with Amine Zouhzouh adding the third for the Blue Wave.
Youssef Snana scored for Al Sailiya, who finished 10th with 22 points and retained their top-flight status.
