Playing in the final round of the league, Al Rayyan needed a win to confirm their place in the final four and join Al Sadd, Al Gharafa and surprise package of the season Umm Salal in Qatar Crown Prince Cup.

Al Rayyan took the lead in the 25th minute after Al Sadd's Ecuadorian frontman Carlos Tenorio fouled Al Rayyan's Brazilian striker Thiago Cardoso inside the area. Portuguese forward Joao Tomas successfully converted the spot-kick past Al Sadd goalkeeper Mohammed Saqr.

Al Rayyan could have added another goal in the 33rd minute when Tomas received a long pass as he set off towards Mohammed Saqr goal but the Portuguese striker's shot did not trouble the former Qatar international goalkeeper.

After the restart, Al Sadd were the better side and they had a fine chance to restore parity in the 73rd minute when Al Rayyan's Saudi international Naif Al Qadi fouled Al Sadd's Emerson, but the Brazilian midfielder was denied by Qasem Burhran from the spot.

Al Sadd tried their best to get back into the game but were susceptible to Al Rayyan counter-attacks as the sides cancelled each other out in the closing stages.

In the other matches of round 27 on Sunday, Al Khor were held by Al Wakra to a 2-2 draw while Qatar SC hammered seven-time league champions Al Arabi 3-0.