Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Al Rayyan were left frustrated in their hopes of bouncing back from their first defeat in the current season Qatar Stars League as the 2012 ACL Group A side were held to a goalless draw by Umm Salal.
Al Rayyan had gone on a ten-match unbeaten run prior to going down 2-1 to defending Qatari champions and fellow AFC Champions League 2012 participants Lekhwiya last Saturday and their hopes of putting that disappointment behind them were dashed by Umm Salal in Friday's QSL Round 12 stalemate.
The draw, Al Rayyan's eighth in 12th matches, left Diego Aguirre's side fourth in the QSL standings with 17 points, five behind Lekhwiya who can extend their lead at the top if they beat Al Wakrah in their Round 12 clash on Saturday.
Al Rayyan, who were knocked out at the Group Stage of last year's ACL, return to Asia's premier club competition on March 6 when they host the victorious side in the final round of the 2012 ACL West Zone playoffs, which will be between the winners of the Esteghlal versus Zob Ahan clash and Ettifaq of Saudi Arabia.