THE 2020-21 QNB Stars League (QSL) season, which came to an end on Saturday will be long remembered for two major reasons – champions Al Sadd’s outstanding performance and determination of the QSL management, which organised Qatar’s premier league football event smoothly despite unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Al Sadd, coached by Xavi Hernandez, were dominant throughout the season and didn’t lose a single game throughout their 22 matches, lifting the Falcon Shield after sealing the coveted title in Round 18.
Their performance was so strong that in some matches they even made their arch-rivals look minnows with their ruthless performance. Nicknamed ‘The Wolves’, Al Sadd – led by Qatar national team captain Hassan Al Haydos – recorded 19 victories and three draws to end on 60 points, earning a rare distinction of finishing the league undefeated.
Al Sadd’s feared striker Baghdad Bounedjah was the top scorer with 21 goals. The Wolves finished 13 points clear of runners-up Al Duhail, who were the defending champions.
Al Rayyan ended up third while Al Gharafa after a spectacular 5-1 victory over Umm Salal wrapped up the league on fourth position, replacing Al Ahli on basis of a better goal difference.
The top four teams of the QSL will represent Qatar in the next season’s AFC Champions League. Qatar SC (6th), Al Arabi (7th), Al Wakrah (8th), Al Sailiya (9th) and Umm Salal (10th) completed the top ten teams.
Al Khor, who finished 11th will have to fight for their spot in next season with an appearance in playoff. Al Kharaitiyat have been relegated after finishing at the bottom. Overall, the QSL – rated as one of the best leagues in Asia – produced thrilling matches throughout the last eight months.
After some matches were played behind closed doors, the QSL management allowed a limited number of fans to attend the games before the last few rounds were played without spectators as precaution against the COVID-19 threat.
It must have taken an enormous amount of effort by the QSL management – assisted by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) – as they delivered another successful season as the pandemic continued to sweep top sports events in other parts of the world. With their sheer hardwork, the authorities ensured fans action-packed weeks of top-notch football.
It all became possible by following the health and safety measures rigidly and all the officials, who were involved in making it happen deserve kudos.
Al Sadd will now head to Saudi Arabia for their AFC Champions League campaign, eyeing to replicate their domestic form in the Asian challenge, with their fans are confident of their success in the tough tournament.
