Doha: Róger Guedes’ brace made the difference as Al Rayyan beat Qatar SC 2-0 in Week 22 of the 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League at Al Rayyan’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday.
Guedes goals came in the (68th minute) and (89th minute) as Al Rayyan finished the season on 33 points and in the fifth position, while Qatar SC ended with 23 points and in the tenth position.
The match was expectedly intense, with the two sides desperate to finish the season on a high note.
The Lions could have gotten the opener in the 10th minute had Hazem Shehata timed his run more perfectly, as he was caught offside when in an advantageous position.
Percy Tau thought he had gotten the opener for The Kings a minute later, but his goal was controversially disallowed for an alleged infringement against Andre Amaro prior to the attempt.
Ahmed Al Rawi also missed an opportunity to register a goal in the 24th minute for Al Rayyan with his header from a cross by Murad Naji Hussein going disappointingly higher than expected.
Despite several attempts on both sides, the first half ended with no goal from either side.
Eager to make a top-four finish as much as possible, Al Rayyan made a double substitution at halftime, with Mahmoud Trézéguet making way for Rodrigo Tabata while Mohamed Surag came on for Ahmed Al-Rawi, but the changes had no instant impact until the 68th minute when Guedes struck, hitting the target with a fantastic curling shot following a great pass from Murad Naji.
Ten minutes later, Adam Bareiro thought he had made it two for Al Rayyan, this time assisted by Guedes, but the goal was eventually chalked off after a VAR review for a foul on Sebastian Soria in the build-up to the goal.
Al Rayyan’s second goal eventually came a minute into the end of regulation time, with Guedes again finding the net, assisted by Mohamed Surag. The goal, which was again subjected to a VAR check, was, however, allowed to stand this time around, leaving Qatar SC with an impossible mountain to climb.
Al Rayyan held on jealously to the lead as they finished the season on a strong note and with something to cheer about.
