James Rodríguez continues to add minutes in Qatar, he showed a good level when he took the ball, however, it was not enough for Al-Rayyan not to be a loser against Umm Salal, who won 2 to 3.
The Colombian starter was positioned on the right wing, trying to receive on that side to start generating actions in the middle or in direct play. However, the constant mistakes of his teammates did not allow him to exercise his offensive role 100%, so he had to intervene in the setback of his team, starting to cover that sector.
From middle distance and on free throws, he had several options to be able to put his goal. Despite attempts, the ball did not take the desired direction. Al-Rayyan’s mistakes in defense began to condemn them. Iseal would put the first for Umm Salal, after anticipating N’Zonzi and the weak reaction of the goalkeeper, who later would be the protagonist.
James took a free kick from the side as his hand put it and defender Ahmed Yasser headed in to score the Al-Rayyan equalizer. From now on James began to be freer on the court, being incisive with long passes and positioning himself to be an alternative for his teammates.
A false start by goalkeeper Saud Abdullah ended in Umm Salal’s second goal, where Hussein came to head, after the goalkeeper’s error, watching the ball enter the back. Faced with this situation, Blanc sent James through the left zone, to seek greater freedom and to be able to deepen with his companions through that sector.
For the second half, the desire of the Colombian was more, as he tried from medium distance again, but the ball was always deflected and without much direction. Umm Salal increased the advantage and Al-Rayyan’s plans changed, seeing himself diminished and with attempts as a result of the push, leaving spaces in defense.
Al-Rayyan had the tie at Hahim Ali’s feet, but the VAR canceled the action. Towards the end of the game, Blanc sent James to play in the middle of the court, to look for an assist or shot in front of the goal, but Umm Sala closed all the spaces to safeguard the result.
James Rodríguez and Al-Rayyan will return to the ring next Saturday, January 8, when they face Al Wakrah.
.
