Al Ain continued their impressive form in the ADNOC Pro League, securing a well-deserved 3-1 win over Kalba in Matchweek 16 at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
With this win, Al Ain move up to third place with 29 points, while Kalba remain in eighth place with 21 points.
Kalba started the game on the front foot and thought they had taken an early lead in the 8th minute when Shahriyar Moghanloo found the net.
However, the goal was ruled out for offside, denying them a dream start. Al Ain responded with a dangerous attack in the 18th minute, as Palacios unleashed a powerful shot, but Kalba’s goalkeeper Sultan Al Manthari made a fine save to keep it level.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Bander Al Ahbabi delivered a pinpoint cross that met the head of Soufian Rahimi, who powered it into the net to give Al Ain the lead.
The hosts continued to dictate the tempo, doubling their advantage in the 40th minute through Kouame Autonne, who finished off another well-placed header.
Just before halftime, Alejandro Romero produced a moment of magic with a spectacular long-range strike in the 44th minute, extending Al Ain’s lead to 3-0 and sealing one of the most eye-catching goals of the season.
Kalba showed resilience in the second half, pushing forward in search of a comeback. Their efforts were rewarded in the 53rd minute, when Mehdi Ghayedi struck to reduce the deficit.
Despite Kalba’s increased attacking intensity, Al Ain remained composed, defending well and controlling possession to see out the game.
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