Al Sadd secured a commanding 3-0 away triumph over Al Shamal in the eleventh round of the 2025-2026 Doha Bank Stars League on Monday. The reigning title holders reached 20 points with this result, while their opponents stayed on 21 in the table.
Al Sadd secured a commanding 3-0 away triumph over Al Shamal in the eleventh round of the 2025-2026 Doha Bank Stars League on Monday. The reigning title holders reached 20 points with this result, while their opponents stayed on 21 in the table.
Rafael Mujica delivered the standout performance of the contest, registering all three goals for the visitors at Al Shamal Stadium.
Mujica broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, latching onto a through ball from Roberto Firmino before finishing clinically.
After the interval, he doubled the advantage five minutes into the second half when Akram Afif created the chance with a well-placed assist. Barely three minutes later, Mujica completed his treble after latching onto a supply from Paulo Silva, rounding the advancing goalkeeper to secure his hat trick.
Al Shamal had a potential lifeline late in the first period when the referee signaled to the spot following an incident in the area.
However, the call did not stand after video consultation, with VAR identifying an offside in the buildup to the decision.
The reversal prevented the hosts from reducing the deficit and proved to be their final major opportunity.
The comprehensive performance served as a reminder of Al Sadd’s ambitions to retain their crown.
With clinical finishing and creative support from Firmino, Afif, and Silva, the side displayed cohesion across the pitch.
Meanwhile, Al Shamal will look to regroup after losing ground at the upper end of the standings.
