Doha: Al Sailiya SC secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Al Arabi SC in their rescheduled Week 17 clash of the 2025-2026 Doha Bank Stars League at Al Thumama Stadium on Monday.
The result lifted Al Sailiya to 22 points and 10th place in the standings, while Al Arabi remained on 32 points.
Al Sailiya made an explosive start, taking the lead in just the fifth minute when Anwar El Ghazi headed home from a well-delivered corner by Younès Belhanda.
Belhanda then doubled the advantage, finishing clinically into the bottom left corner after being set up by Hadi Ali Tabasideh following an overlapping run.
Al Arabi thought they had a route back into the contest in the 55th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but the decision was overturned after a lengthy VAR review for a challenge by Diogo Amaro on Pablo Sarabia.
The visitors eventually reduced the deficit in the 81st minute, with Rodri Sanchez unleashing a powerful long-range strike from the rebound after goalkeeper Fahad Baker had punched clear a free-kick.
Al Sailiya appeared to have sealed the win seven minutes later when Kellian van der Kaap scored from distance, but the effort was ruled out following another VAR check.
Despite late pressure, Al Sailiya held firm to secure all three points in a vital result in their league campaign.
