Al Ain moved into sole possession of the ADNOC Pro League top at the end of Matchweek 18, taking advantage of Shabab Al Ahli’s 1-1 draw in the Dubai Derby against Al Wasl.
Elsewhere, Al Jazira climbed to fourth place after a big victory over Sharjah in the round’s top fixture, while Bani Yas strengthened their position with an important win over a direct relegation rival to rise to 12th.
Matchweek 18 produced seven fewer goals than the previous round, yet the second half proved decisive across the fixtures.
A total of 14 goals were scored after the break, underlining the impact of tactical adjustments and late-game efficiency.
Al Jazira were particularly clinical in the opening 45 minutes, scoring four of the five first-half goals registered during the round.
Statistically, Al Nasr dominated several attacking categories but were unable to convert their superiority into a win.
They led the round in total shots (21), possession (71%), touches inside the opposition box (35), and successful dribbles (12), yet were denied win by Dibba, who managed just eight shots.
In contrast, both Al Ain and Al Wahda capitalised on their efficiency, registering seven shots on target each and securing crucial wins.
Bani Yas benefited from scoring their first goal of the season from a corner kick, which proved decisive in their victory over Al Bataeh.
Meanwhile, Al Ain continued to show their strength in decisive moments, extending their league-leading tally to nine goals scored in the final 15 minutes of matches this season.
On the individual front, Soufiane Rahimi recorded the third hat-trick of the campaign, joining Laba Kodjo and Omar Khribin on that list.
However, Nabil Fekir emerged as the standout performer of the round, contributing four goal involvements — two goals and two assists — in Al Jazira’s emphatic win over Sharjah.
Goalkeeping performances were steady rather than spectacular, with five goalkeepers recording four saves each: Khaled Al Senani, Amjad Alsayed, Ali Al Hosani, Ahmed Hamdan, and Fahd Al Dhanhani.
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