Captain Rodrigo Tabata’s stunning free-kick and a late header from Fahad Khalfan gave Al Rayyan all three points against Mesaimeer after a tetchy encounter at Grand Hamad Stadium.
 Tabata produced a perfect right-footed effort from just outside the box in the 89th minute, before Khalfan nodded in Sebastian Soria’s cross in added time to secure the Lions’ 16th win of a memorable campaign.
It was a deserved victory for Rayyan after a largely frustrating night against the league’s bottom side. They stuck to their task however, and now boast a 13-point lead at the top as they target a first Falcon Shield since 1995.
 Jorge Fossati’s men had three goals disallowed and also had to contend with an inspired performance from Mesaimeer goalkeeper Basel Zaidan. Time and again the on-loan El Jaish stopper prevented Rayyan from taking the lead.
He produced a good double save in the 12th minute to deny Soria’s close-range shot and, moments later, a 30-yard effort from Tabata. His best save came late on though when he tipped Babou Barro’s cross-cum-shot over the bar in the 86th minute.
There was an edge to the game throughout the opening half and the spiky on-field atmosphere came to a head just before the break when Soria clattered into Adama Traore. Mesaimeer’s players surrounded the referee, demanding Soria be sent off. However the man in the middle waited patiently before brandishing a yellow card for the Qatari international.
Rayyan piled on the pressure in the second half but Mesaimeer remained resolute in defence. Tabata, Soria and Sergio Garcia all created openings, but were either off-target or not good enough to beat Zaidan.
Mesaimeer created little in the game but were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty late on. Rayyan goalkeeper Omar Bari looked to have fouled a Mesaimeer attacker but the referee waved play on. It was a huge let off for the leaders.
In the end, Rayyan’s persistence paid off as they claimed a fifth win in a row. Tabata’s brilliant free-kick clipped the bar on its way past Zaidan, who could do nothing to stop an effort which David Beckham would have been proud of.
Khalfan’s goal in the dying embers of the game simply confirmed the result and sent the travelling fans into raptures.
There are nine games to go in the QSL season but Rayyan look nailed on to claim the title, and with it a stunning return to the top division.
Earlier, Al Khor moved up to eighth position in the QSL after a 1-0 victory over Al Wakrah.
The Knights followed up last week’s 1-0 win over El Jaish with another strong performance to leapfrog Wakrah in the table and make it five games unbeaten.
Brazilian striker Julio Cesar scored the only goal at Saoud Bin Abdel Rahman Stadium. Madsen’s 26th minute free-kick from distance ricocheted off the post and, with goalkeeper Hassan Dicko stranded, Cesar produced a brilliant acrobatic finish from six yards out.
The Blue Waves pushed forward in the second half in search of an equaliser but they failed to penetrate Khor’s steadfast defence, which was well marshalled by veteran Qatari defender Waleed Mohyaden.
The result is the perfect tonic for Khor, who will go into next week’s match with runaway leaders Al Rayyan full of confidence.