In a highly anticipated clash on September 26, Al-Ain hosted Al-Wasl at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium for an exhilarating encounter in the UAE Pro League. The meeting between the League Champions and Asian Champions lived up to expectations, offering fans a match filled with intensity and high-level performances.
Al-Ain took early control, with their relentless attacking pressure yielding results in the 22nd minute when Matias Palacios delivered a stunning top-corner shot following a well-executed corner. Just eight minutes later, Bandar Al-Ahbabi doubled the lead with a precise finish, making it 2-0 for the reigning AFC champions.
Al-Wasl, however, fought back with resilience. In the 36th minute, Caio Canedo volleyed in to reduce the deficit, and just four minutes later, he set up Siaka to level the score at 2-2. The comeback momentum was short-lived, though, as a costly error by Al-Wasl goalkeeper Khaled Al-Senani allowed Kouame to capitalize and put Al-Ain ahead 3-2 before halftime.
In the second half, Moroccan star Soufiane Rahimi converted a penalty to make it 4-2, and shortly after, Al-Wasl’s defender Soufiane Bouftini received a second yellow card, reducing his team to 10 men for the final stretch of the match. Al-Ain maintained their advantage, securing a well-deserved victory.
With this win, Al-Ain moved up to 7 points, tying with Al-Wasl in the standings. However, Al-Ain holds third place with a game in hand, while Al-Wasl sits in fourth. Sharjah FC continues to lead the table with a perfect 12 points from four matches.
