Al Sadd clinch historic third successive title with thrilling 3-2 win over Al Shamal
DOHA: Al Sadd SC secured their third consecutive Qatar Stars League title after a dramatic 3-2 win over Al Shamal SC in the final week showdown of the 2025-26 season at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday night.
Goals from Akram Afif (20’), Roberto Firmino (22’), and Paulo Otávio (68’) powered Al Sadd to victory. Al Shamal responded through Baghdad Bounedjah (65’) and Jeison Murillo (85’, penalty), but it wasn’t enough to stop the champions.
Al Shamal’s hopes took a major hit early in the second half when Abdessamed Bounacer was sent off in the 49th minute for a foul on a charging Afif, leaving his side with ten men.
With the win, Al Sadd finished the season on 45 points from 22 matches, ahead of Al Shamal on 40 points. This marks Al Sadd’s 19th league title and their first under head coach Roberto Mancini.
The Wolves continue their domestic dominance, remaining unbeaten champions since the 2023-24 season and having lost the title only once since 2012-13.
The Falcon Shield trophy was presented by senior Qatari football and club officials, marking another milestone in Al Sadd’s illustrious history.
After the match, Mancini praised the collective effort behind the triumph, emphasizing that the team’s success was built on unity rather than reliance on individual brilliance.
