Al Sadd lifted the prestigious Falcon Shield a third successive time and 19th overall as they beat Al Shamal 3-2 in the title-deciding showdown final-week match of 2025-2026 season Doha Bank Stars League at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday.

The trophy was presented to Al Sadd by His Excellency Mr. Jassim Bin Rashid Al Buainain, President of Qatar Football Association and Qatar Stars League (QSL), Mr. Hani Taleb Ballan, CEO of QSL, Sheikh Abdulrahman Bin Fahad Al Thani, Group CEO of Doha Bank, His Excellency Engineer Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Vice-President of Al Sadd club, and His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa Bin Khalid Al Thani, CEO of Al Sadd Club Company.

The goals for Al Sadd came from Akram Afif (20th minute), Roberto Firmino (22nd minute) and Paulo Otavio (68th minute).

For Al Shamal, Baghdad Bounedjah (65th minute) and Jeison Murillo (85th minute penalty) were on target.

Al Shamal, who were chasing their maiden Qatar league title, were reduced to 10 men in the 49th minute when Abdessamed Bounacer received a direct red card for fouling an onrushing Afif.

Al Sadd ended the season with 45 points from 22 games and Al Shamal on 40 points.

Al Shamal, who needed nothing less than a win to become champions, were dealt the first blow by Afif whose strike from inside the box was deflected by a defender’s boot – which also deceived goalkeeper Babacar Seck.

Within minutes, Firmino doubled Al Sadd’s lead – much to the delight of their fans at a packed stadium. Assisted by Claundinho’s cross, he slotted home while being unmarked and in the clear.

Al Shamal had their hopes raised when in the second half, Bounedjah beat an advancing Meshaal Barsham to make it 1-2.

But minutes later, Otavio produced a brilliant left-footer inside the box to beat Seck in the left corner as Al Sadd moved up to 3-1.

A late penalty for Al Shamal, for a foul by Al Sadd player near the goalline, saw Murillo make the scoreline 3-2, but it came too late for the first-time hopefuls to force the issue.