Mujica hat-trick fires Al Sadd to top of the table

Rafa Mujica fired a stunning hat-trick as defending champions Al Sadd thrashed Al Gharafa 4-0 at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, propelling them to the top of the Qatar Stars League standings on Thursday.
Al Rayyan also enjoyed a rise in the rankings, moving up to fifth after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al Arabi, while Al Wakrah surged to eighth following a 3-1 win over Al Khor.
Felix Sanchez’s Al Sadd, fresh off a 2-0 triumph over Al Duhail in their previous match, were in scintillating form against Al Gharafa. Mujica starred with a second-half hat-trick, netting in the 56th, 70th, and 77th minutes, after Akram Afif had opened the scoring in the 26th minute.
With 37 points, Al Sadd now lead by two points over long-time leaders Al Duhail, who have a chance to reclaim the top spot with a win over Al Shahania today. Pedro Martins’ Al Gharafa, who remain in third with 34 points, suffered further blow late in the match as Seydou Sano was sent off in the 87th minute.
“We’ve beaten Al Duhail and Al Gharafa, two of the best teams in the league, and our strong collaboration with the coach was evident. This teamwork had a positive impact on our performance in these crucial matches,” said veteran Al Sadd midfielder Hassan al-Haydos.
“The three vital points have put us at the top of the standings, at least until we see the result of the Al Duhail match. The best is yet to come,” he added.
Meanwhile, Al Rayyan secured an important win at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, with Roger Guedes converting a penalty in the 73rd minute to seal the 2-1 victory. Trezeguet had given Al Rayyan an early lead in the fifth minute, only for Hassan Alaa Aldeen to level for Al Arabi in the 25th minute. Al Rayyan now sit on 24 points, just four behind fourth-placed Al Ahli, who will face Al Shamal today.
Elsewhere, Al Wakrah triumphed over Al Khor at the Al Khor Stadium, with Farid Boulaya scoring twice (23rd and 65th minute, penalty) and Ayoub Assal adding another in the 29th minute. Ricardo Gomes pulled one back for Al Khor in the 52nd minute. The crucial win lifted Al Wakrah to 20 points, while Al Khor remain stuck in 12th with just seven points.