Al Rayyan secured a vital 3-0 victory over Qatar SC in a postponed match from Week 13 of the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium of Qatar Sports Club on Wednesday.

Ibrahim Majed’s own goal (sixth minute) preceded Rodrigo Moreno’s ninth-minute goal before Achraf Bencharki scored the final goal in the 76th minute as Al Rayyan consolidated their third position in the standings with 41 points, while Qatar SC remained on 19 points and remained in the 10th position.

Al Rayyan got themselves to a dream start after securing two goals within the first 10 minutes of play, first through an own goal by Qatar SC defender Ibrahim Majed, who turned the ball into his own net in an attempt to clear a Gabriel Pereira shot, before Rodrigo Moreno headed home the second in the ninth minute from Murad Naji’s inch-perfect cross.

The two quick goals appeared to stun Qatar SC and it seemed to have taken the wind out of their sails as their game became more subdued and became more cautious going forward in an attempt not to open up their rear flanks for more unexpected surprises from their opponents, while a more confident Al Rayyan became further adventurous upfront as they searched for more goals.

Despite several attempts on both ends, the scoreline remained the same as they headed for the dugout at the conclusion of first half.

The Lions came in for the concluding half of the match with sustained momentum as they continued to knock aggressively on Qatar SC’s doors for additional goals, while the rival defence withstood the pressure as much as possible.

With sustained pressure, it was just a matter of time for Al Rayyan to add to their lead and that time came in the 76th minute, with Bencharki finding the back of the net with a right-footed low drive after some fanciful legwork inside Qatar SC’s 18-yard box, to further consolidate their lead on the night.

The Kings’ hope of a comeback was potentially extinguished after the goal, with a more confident Al Rayyan taking things cool before the referee eventually signalled the end of an enthralling match.