Al Sadd survived an early scare to mount an impressive comeback and defeat Al Arabi 6-1 on Monday, in a postponed game from the fifth round of QNB Stars League.
The win eased pressure on Al Sadd coach Xavi after his team’s dismal performance last Thursday in a 2-1 defeat against Al Wakrah. The Wolves are now third in the league table, nine points from leaders Al Duhail, with one game in hand.
Pedro failed to clear Aron Gunnarsson’s long throw in and Marc Muniesa made no mistake from close range to give Al Arabi a surprise lead after 10 minutes, But Al Sadd replied on the half hour mark with three goals in the span of five minutes to take control of the game.
Pedro equalised on with a powerful low drive from just outside the box, and less than minute later Bounedjah found the net with a near finish after a through ball from Gabi, before Al Haydos benefited from the deadly mistake of Fahad Shanin to make it 3-1.
Then minutes into the second half Al Haydos added his second with a free header after a pin-point cross from Akram Afif, who curled in to make it 5-1 thanks to a VAR decision.
Bounedjah sealed the emphatic victory ten minutes before the final whistle with an easy finish after a cross from Pedro.