Doha: Defending champions Al Sadd lost 2-3 to Qatar SC in their opening match of the 2025-2026 season Doha Bank Stars League at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium of Al Sadd club on Saturday.
Al Sadd’s Meshaal ِBarsham made a fantastic save in the 15th minute, blocking what could have been a superb header from Joao Pedro, but the opening goal eventually came through Ali Saoudi, who nodded home from a well-taken corner kick to give Qatar SC the lead.
Guilherme Torres got the much-awaited equaliser for Al Sadd from the rebound from Claudinho’s thunderbolt of a shot. The goal, which was initially disputed, was eventually made to stand after a comprehensive VAR check.
The Kings restored their lead through Said Brahmi before Pedro netted the third from 25 yards out to secure a comfortable lead for the team under their new coach, Marquez Lopez.
While Claudinho pulled one back for the Wolves, unyielding defensive work from Qatar SC ensured the match ended with them taking the maximum points.
Joao Pedro was named player of the match at the end of the scintillating encounter.
