Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup gestures during their opening match of the QNB Stars League against Al Khor at Al Khor Stadium on Saturday.
Coach Michael Laudrup was a pleased man following Al Rayyan’s convincing 4-2 win over Al Khor at the latter’s home turf on Saturday night.
It was the first match for both teams as QNB Stars League action kicked off on Friday.
Feared striker Rodrigo Tabata struck twice (15 and 77) for Al Rayyan while new signings Abdulrazak Hamdullah (23) and Mouhcine Moutouali (85) fired a goal each.
Al Khor striker Madson (64) reduced the deficit by scoring on a penalty kick followed by a late goal from defender Khalid Nawaf (87).
“We achieved what we wanted from this game,” Laudrup said after the game.
“We got the points with 10 men and that too with high humidity,” he added.
“Yes, we have made a good start to the new season. Getting those three points was important. Unfortunately for us, Mohammed Alaa got injured at the end of the first half and we were forced to make a change,” the popular Danish coach said.
When asked about the tough playing conditions, Laudrup said that ‘high humidity’ was the reason why players from both side committed errors.
“We even saw players getting yellow cards for reckless play,” he said.
Meanwhile, Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira applauded the performance of newcomers Al Markhiya who stunned the former champions with two late strikes at Al Arabi Stadium on Saturday.
Substitute Mohammed Salah, on Saturday, produced a dream performance with two late goals as Al Markhiya beat former champions Al Sadd 2-1.
Barca legend and Al Sadd skipper Xavi inspired with a first-half strike at Al Arabi Stadium where Salah scored twice (82 and 85) to help Al Markhiya script an upset win.
“The match was very tough. Both teams suffered because of the temperature. Al Sadd players were affected more because they played an intense match against Al Duhail in the Sheikh Jassim Cup last week,” Ferreira said after the opening round clash.
“During last season, we just lost one match. Today, we were missing many players just like in the game against Al Duhail, and we played with many youngsters,” the coach pointed out.
“I am not looking for excuses after this defeat but the fatigue and temperature affected the Al Sadd players more,” he added.
“The players are exhausted as they were also away with the national team for a long period and did not get enough rest. The timings of this month’s matches are difficult for all teams because of the heat.
“Al Markhiya deserve the win. I don’t like to lose any game. We’re not going to make this a horror film. We will work hard to prepare the team well for the upcoming matches,” the veteran coach said.
