Under the bright lights of Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium, an unexpected twist unfolded in the Stars League on October 31, 2025, as Al Wakrah edged out Qatar SC with a narrow 1-0 victory. The late drama, punctuated by a goal from Raúl de Tomás in the 86th minute, brought a moment of joy to Al Wakrah and left Qatar SC reeling, unable to extend their unbeaten streak.
Coming into this match, both teams had their share of successes and setbacks. Qatar SC, who had climbed to second place in the league with 17 points, were looking to solidify their position with a victory after a string of positive results. They had recently triumphed over UMM Salal and put on a striking display against Al Ahli Doha, winning 6-1. On the other hand, Al Wakrah, languishing in seventh place with only 11 points, desperately needed a win to climb the standings after a difficult stretch that included two losses in their last five matches.
As the game began, it became clear that Al Wakrah was determined to change the narrative surrounding their season. From the outset, they pressured Qatar SC, creating chances and keeping their opponent's defense on high alert. In a season that had seen them struggle for consistency, this performance was a reminder that they still have the potential to be a formidable side.
The first half ended without any goals, but both teams exchanged a few promising opportunities. Al Wakrah appeared to find their rhythm as the match progressed. With standout performances from Raúl de Tomás, who had been their scoring beacon in recent games, they grew more confident.
As the second half unfolded, Qatar SC began to push back, determined to assert their dominance. However, despite their best efforts, they struggled to penetrate Al Wakrah's defensive line. Time ticked away, and frustration started to mount among the players. The turning point came late in the match when Raúl de Tomás, who had been a constant threat throughout the game, found the back of the net with a well-placed shot, silencing the visiting fans. Just as his name has echoed in recent matches, his decisive moment illuminated the pitch and gave Al Wakrah the edge they desperately needed.
In a stunning twist of fate, the match took another turn in injury time when a Qatar SC player received a red card, putting an even greater weight on their shoulders as they finished the match a man down. This late dismissal shifted the dynamics entirely, ensuring that Al Wakrah could hold on to their lead without the pressing threat from Qatar SC.
This victory not only boosts Al Wakrah's morale, but it also sends a message that they are still in the race. With their next matchup against Al Shamal, they will look to build on this momentum and recover from their previous performances. For Qatar SC, the loss serves as a wake-up call as they prepare to face Al-Gharafa. Moving forward, they will need to regroup and focus on maintaining their form, as the title chase is far from over.
Reflecting on my earlier predictions, it's safe to say I was more than a little off. I anticipated a confident victory for Qatar SC, expecting them to continue their impressive run. Instead, Al Wakrah delivered a surprise performance, showcasing their resilience and ability to rise to the occasion. In sports, as in life, the unpredictable nature often gives rise to thrilling narratives, and this match was no exception.