Doha, Qatar: Just a few weeks back Al Sadd were gunning for continental glory it seemed they had a great chance of emulating their AFC Champions League success of 2011 when they produced scintillating football to floor Saudia Arabia's Al Nassr.
In the Qatar Stars League the reigning champions were a cut above the rest.
But how things chance.
Xavi Hernandez coached Sadd went out of the Champions League at the semifinal stage and they are struggling in the QSL as well.
After losing to their main title challengers Al Duhail last week, Sadd suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at the hands of Qatar SC.
Sardor Rashidov scored a double including a late goal in added time while his strike partner Kayke Moreno, another constant threat, also got into the scoresheet.
After going down to Al Hilal 1-4 at home in the first leg of AFC Champions League semifinal, where their challenge ended despite winning the away leg 4-2, Sadd have lost three out of four QSL matches but this was the most lacklustre of their recent performances.
There were worrying signs for Sadd right from the start.
In the third minute, Rashidov and Moreno exchanged passes to break open Sadd defence after a misplaced back header from Tarek Salman. Luckily for Sadd Moreno's shot was straight at Sadd keeper Saad Al Sheeb.
It didn't take long for Qatar SC to get the opening goal as Moreno dispossessed the usually safe Gabi and found Rashidov, who side-footed the ball past Al Sheeb in the ninth minute.
Sadd, despite enjoying plenty of possession as usual, were living dangerously at the back and in the 20th minute Rodrigues held on to the ball for as long as he wished and came back to a shooting position from an acute angle only to flash his powerful right-footer wide.
In the 25th minute, Qatar SC threatened again from Ahmed Moein's freekick and Al Sheeb had to dive to his left to stop Mousa Haroun's header from going in.
Sadd however almost equalised from the counter as Baghdad Bounedjah broke free and though the Algerian managed to take a shot past an advancing Qatar SC goalkeeper Jassim Adel, his effort from outside the box was tantalisingly wide of the post.
Sadd were looking to be positive and took the game to Qatar SC, but in the 31st minute the reigning champions suffered their second shock.
After breaking down another Sadd move Qatar SC launched a counter through Rashidov and Moreno.
This time Rashidov passed the ball for Moreno, who in turn passing it into the net with great precision.
Sadd had a half-chance late in the first half as Bounedjah met Hamid Ismael's cross with a powerful header, which was way off target.
The Wolves were a much-improved side in the second period with Qatar SC withdrawing further into their own half, but despite enjoying the majority of possession deep in Qatar SC area, they failed to create enough clear cut goal chances.
Bounedjah's shot was off target while substitute Woo Young Jung's low effort was saved by Jassim Adel. Another substitute Yasir Abubakar also had a chance but his header after a goalmouth melee lacked power and was easily saved by Adel.
Sadd were going all out for a goal when a counter-attack saw El Mehdi Barrahma test Al Sheeb with long range shot.
Referee Mohammed ahmed Al Shammari awarded QatarSC a penalty in 83rd minute after the ball appeared to have hit Salman on the hand but the decision was reversed after VAR intervention.
Qatar SC were not to be denied a third goal when Rashidov unleashed a powerful left-footer that slipped through the hands of Al Sheeb.
Sadd are fourth of 15 points 12 behind leaders Duhail, who have played two games more.
Qatar SC are ninth on 12.
Source: dohastadiumplusqatar.com