Doha: Al Rayyan produced a spirited fightback to snatch a 1-1 draw against Al Sadd in a pulsating Qatar Clasico in Week 20 of the 2025-2026 Doha Bank Stars League at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Saturday.
Roberto Firmino gave Al Sadd the lead in the 27th minute, finishing neatly from Paulo Otavio’s assist after a fine move involving Akram Afif.
Al Sadd thought they had doubled their advantage in the 57th minute when Pedro Miguel lobbed the goalkeeper following Afif’s pass, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Al Rayyan goalkeeper Mahmoud Ibrahim Abunada played a key role in keeping his side in the contest, producing two excellent saves in the 60th minute and a spectacular leaping stop late in regulation time.
The Lions finally found their reward in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Aleksandar Mitrovic latched onto a Roger Guedes assist and fired the ball between two defenders to beat the Al Sadd goalkeeper.
The result lifted Al Sadd to 39 points, while Al Rayyan moved to 32 points.
Al Shamal edge Umm Salal in five-goal thriller
Al Shamal kept their Qatar Stars League title hopes alive with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Umm Salal in Week 20 of the 2025-2026 Doha Bank Stars League at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday.
The win lifted Al Shamal to 37 points, just two behind league leaders Al Sadd, who have a game in hand.
Omid Ebrahimi gave Al Shamal the perfect start, converting a penalty in the sixth minute after Omar Mohamed was fouled. Baghdad Bounedjah doubled the advantage deep into first-half stoppage time, and Alex Collado made it 3-0 in the 59th minute with a deflected shot from Bounedjah’s precise pass.
Umm Salal fought back strongly, with Antonio Mance reducing the deficit via a long-range strike in the 75th minute. Yamaan Jarrar pulled another goal back eight minutes later, but Al Shamal held on to secure the vital three points.
The result keeps Al Shamal firmly in the title race as the season enters its decisive phase.
