Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Al Rayyan opened the scoring in their Week 5 Doha Bank Stars League match against Al Ahli at Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday. The first goal came in the 29th minute when Rodrigo Machado finished a pass from Wesley Ribeiro with a precise left-footed shot from close range. The goal was briefly contested for an offside involving Aleksandar Mitrovic in the buildup. However, after a detailed VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand. The decision upset the Al Ahli players and fans, as they felt the goal should have been disallowed. Despite the controversy, Al Rayyan went ahead 1-0 and began to control the game.
Mitrovic Scores Before Half-Time
Aleksandar Mitrovic made it 2-0 just before halftime. Rodrigo’s earlier attempt had hit the crossbar, and Mitrovic was quick to react, nodding the rebound into the net. This goal gave Al Rayyan a strong advantage going into the break. The team, led by coach Artur Jorge, appeared confident and in control, while Al Ahli faced growing pressure to respond. The halftime score of 2-0 reflected Al Rayyan’s dominance in the first half.
Al Ahli Tries To Fight Back
After halftime, Al Ahli attempted to reduce the gap. The team showed some good attacking moves and tried to challenge Al Rayyan’s defense. However, their efforts were not enough. Al Ahli’s struggles this season continued, as this loss marked another disappointing performance. With only one win so far in the 2025-2026 season, Al Ahli is having one of its worst starts in recent years. Despite creating chances, the team lacked the finishing touch and could not convert opportunities into goals.
Al Rayyan Controls The Game
Throughout the match, Al Rayyan controlled the tempo and maintained strong possession. Their midfielders and forwards worked well together to create chances while keeping Al Ahli on the defensive. Wesley Ribeiro and Rodrigo Machado were particularly effective in linking up plays and supporting the strikers. Al Ahli’s defense had difficulty coping with Al Rayyan’s quick attacks and movement. This control allowed the visitors to remain calm and focused, waiting for the right moments to strike again.
Guedes Seals The Win Late
In the 86th minute, Roger Guedes scored the third and final goal for Al Rayyan. Mohammed Surag provided a perfect assist, and Guedes finished with a strong right-footed shot from the left side of the box after a fast counter-attack. This goal confirmed Al Rayyan’s 3-0 victory and left Al Ahli unable to respond in the remaining minutes. The win gave Al Rayyan their third victory of the season, boosting their confidence and league standing.
Al Rayyan’s 3-0 win over Al Ahli was a result of solid teamwork, smart attacking, and strong finishing. Mitrovic and Guedes were the standout scorers, while Rodrigo Machado played a key role in creating opportunities. Al Ahli will need to regroup and work harder in the coming weeks to improve their performance. For Al Rayyan, the victory shows their growing strength this season and their ability to dominate even in tough matches.
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