Late drama settled a tightly contested Abu Dhabi derby as Al Ain snatched a crucial 1–0 victory over Al Jazira, with Alejandro Romero producing the decisive moment 83 minutes into an absorbing Matchweek 15 encounter.
With both sides cautious in their approach, the opening exchanges were defined by tactical discipline and defensive organisation, as clear-cut chances proved hard to come by in a goalless first half.
Al Ain began to grow into the contest after 20 minutes when Soufiane Rahimi tested the waters with a powerful strike from a distance, forcing Ali Khaseif into a sharp save to keep the scores level.
Khaseif was called into action again on the half-hour mark, reacting quickly to deny Kodjo Laba from close range as Al Ain pushed for an opener.
The Togolese striker thought he had broken the deadlock in the 37th minute, only for celebrations to be cut short as the flag was raised for offside, ensuring both teams headed into the interval still locked at 0–0.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both sides probing patiently while maintaining their defensive shape. Al Jazira looked to threaten on the counter, while Al Ain gradually increased the tempo, sensing an opportunity to tilt the balance.
That breakthrough finally arrived in dramatic fashion seven minutes from time.
Alejandro Romero picked up possession on the edge of the area, and unleashed a sublime effort into the far bottom corner, leaving Khaseif with no chance and sending the away end into raptures.
It proved to be the defining moment of the contest.
Al Jazira pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, committing numbers into attack, but Al Ain held firm in the closing stages to see out a hard-earned victory.
The result keeps Al Ain firmly in second place on 37 points as they continue their pursuit at the top end of the table, while Al Jazira remain fifth with 22 points after a night decided by the finest of margins.
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