TRIPLE DELIGHT

IT WAS triple delight for Al Sadd captain Xavi Hernandez. The former Barcelona star, who celebrated his 37th birthday last week, extended his contract with the Qatari club till 2018-19 and then scored the opener in the 46th minute in his side’s confident 3-0 win against Al Gharafa in front of home fans.

Hamza Sanhaji then scored a brace, in the 66th and 88th minutes. 

Xavi, who joined in 2015-16, said he hoped to win the title this time with Sadd.

“Sadd are like a family for me. I’m happy to extend my stay. We’ve to work hard to win the remaining matches and seal the title,” said Xavi. “I thank everyone for the support.”

Sadd, who registered their 13th win, remained second on 43 points, three behind table-toppers Lekhwiya, who defeated 10-man Al Arabi 1-0. Gharafa are fifth with 30 points.

While his midfield successor at Barcelona, Ivan Rakitic, had recently fended off comparisons with him, Xavi’s performance against Gharafa showed why he is still rated as one of the best. 

Xavi’s pass to Sanhaji for his team’s second goal, was ample proof that he has not lost his magic which helped him enjoy so much success with Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

“The competition is very tough. Most teams are strong and it’s difficult to single out any particular side, but we’ve a big chance to regain the title. We’ll fight to achieve that goal. We deserve to win because we’ve performed really well in the tournament,” said Xavi, who won the 2010 World Cup, and 2008 and 2012 Euro titles for Spain.

“We took time to settle down as Gharafa defended well. It was a good win against a strong side,” Xavi added.  

The return of Baghdad Bounedjah, who has scored 15 goals in the tournament, bolstered Sadd’s attack. 

It was a performance which should motivate Sadd in the remaining rounds and if they maintain consistency, Jesualdo Ferreira’s men can win the title, which they last claimed in 2012-13. 

Elsewhere, Jaish, who led for most part of the first phase, dropped points yet again, settling for a 1-1 draw with Umm Salal.

Al Rayyan capitalised on  Jaish’s slip-up as they consolidated their third position with a 1-0 victory over Al Kharaitiyat.

Al Ahli saw off Al Khor 1-0 to continue their good run while Muaither beat Al Wakrah 3-1. 

The week’s other action between Al Shahaniya and Al Sailiya ended goalless. 

Meanwhile, Sadd will meet Iran’s Esteghlal in their AFC Champions League play-off to qualify for the main round and Xavi said, “We need to prepare for this tough away game.”