The story of the ADNOC Pro League rolls on with its familiar drama, passion and packed stands, as Matchweek 13 brings the curtain down in the first half of the season.
With the Winter Champion set to be decided, all eyes are in a thrilling two-way battle at the summit between leaders Al Ain on 30 points and close challengers Shabab Al Ahli on 29. Add a historic clásico and a heavyweight showdown, and the stage is set for a blockbuster round.
Matchweek 13 will be played across three days, from Saturday 17 January to Monday 19 January.
A Clásico and a Big Showdown Open the Round
Three fixtures kick off the action on Saturday. Two matches get underway simultaneously at 17:05. Khorfakkan, sitting tenth with 11 points, host sixth-placed Al Nasr, who arrived with 18 points. At the same time, Zabeel Stadium plays host to a mouth-watering clash between Al Wasl and AlJazira. Just one point separates the two sides, with Al Wasl fourth on 22 points and Al Jazira fifth on 21, raising the stakes for a contest where only victory will do.
Saturday night belongs to a classic. At 19:45, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium stages a historic showdown between Al Ain and Al Wahda. The hosts, top of the table with 30 points, know that a win would secure the Winter Championship regardless of Shabab Al Ahli’s result. Al Wahda, third on 25 points, arrive aiming to keep pace with the leading pack and strengthen their title credentials.
Redemption on the Agenda on Day Two
Sunday’s fixtures are driven by the desire to bounce back. Bani Yas welcome Al Bataeh at 17:05, with both sides locked in a relegation battle. Bani Yas sit bottom with seven points, while Al Bataeh are just above them on nine, making this a crucial six-pointer.
Later at 19:45, Sharjah host Kalba at Sharjah Stadium. The hosts are 11th with 11 points, while Kalba, seventh on 16 points, will be looking to build momentum and climb further up the table.
A Dramatic Finish to Matchweek 13
The round concludes on Monday with two decisive encounters. Ajman face Al Dhafra at Rashid Bin Saeed Stadium, with both teams coming off defeats in the previous round. Ajman sit ninth on 13 points, while Al Dhafra are eighth with 15, and the points on offer could significantly reshape the mid-table picture.
The final word belongs to Shabab Al Ahli, who host Dibba at Rashid Stadium at 19:45. The title chasers, second on 29 points, will be hoping for an Al Ain slip-up as they look to claim the Winter Crown with a win. Dibba, meanwhile, are seeking just their third victory of the season to move up from 12th place, where they currently sit on nine points.
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