By Sports Reporter/Doha
Al Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira praised his players after the Wolves claimed a famous Qatar Classico victory over Al Rayyan in Round 12 of the QSL.
The Wolves’ 2-1 success at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium brought Al Rayyan’s record-breaking winning run to an end on Thursday. Hamza Senhadji and Muriqui grabbed the goals for Sadd on what proved to be a memorable night.
Ferreira, in charge for only his second Sadd game, said: “I’m delighted with the victory and the huge spirit shown by the players. We controlled the match and deserved to win.”
The victory ended Sadd’s two-game losing run and helped the Wolves to second place in the QSL after collecting 24 points from 12 games.
Ferreira added: “The players were given the freedom to show their skills against the league leaders, and they didn’t disappoint.”
For Rayyan, it was a first loss of a remarkable season. The Lions had won 11 games out of 11 to set a new QSL record for consecutive wins going into the match.
Following the defeat Rayyan head coach Jorge Fossati refused to be downhearted after what he felt was a strong performance.
Fossati said: “The winning run was always going to end at some point. I’m proud of my players and what they have achieved this season – to lose their first match in December is outstanding.
“The level of performance tonight was high. If we keep playing like that we will win plenty more games.”
Fossati felt Rayyan were unlucky to lose the high-tempo, and at times frenetic match, against their fiercest rivals.
“We created a lot of chances and on another day we would have scored a lot more goals. We lacked a bit of luck tonight, including losing Victor Caceres to injury – someone who is a key player for us.
“The timing of the second Sadd goal was crucial. We created a lot of chances before half-time and could easily have been in front when they scored.”
Fossati went on to say there is still a long way to go in the title race, which his side currently leads by nine points.
He added: “After every win I told the fans that the title has not been settled. There are still a lot of matches to be played.”
Jesualdo Ferreira
