Shabab Al Ahli secured an important 2-0 win over Al Ain at Rashid Stadium on Saturday in Matchweek 6 of the 2026-27 ADNOC Pro League, ending their rivals' unbeaten start to the season.
Goals from Sardar Azmoun and Kauan Santos Silva in the 45+1st and 59th minutes gave the hosts all three points in one of the Matchweek's biggest encounters.
The victory lifted Shabab Al Ahli to 13 points in third place, moving them ahead of Al Ain, who dropped to fourth on the same points total.
Al Ain controlled much of the first half, enjoying around 60% possession and registering 12 shots, including three on target, compared with three attempts for Shabab Al Ahli.
However, the hosts made the most of their opportunity just before the interval.
Azmoun opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, finishing a move created by Breno Cascardo to give Shabab Al Ahli a 1-0 lead with their first shot on target.
Shabab Al Ahli doubled their advantage in the 59th minute when Kauan Santos Silva found the net to put the hosts firmly in control.
Al Ain pushed forward in search of a response but were unable to break through Shabab Al Ahli's defence.
The visitors' task became even more difficult late in the match when Abdulkarim Trawri was sent off, leaving Al Ain with ten players.
Shabab Al Ahli maintained their lead until the final whistle to claim an important victory and strengthen their position near the top of the standings.
The defeat ended Al Ain's 19-match unbeaten away run in the Pro League and marked their first league loss since March 2025 against Khorfakkan.
Al Ain also failed to score in a league match for the first time since May 2025 against Ajman, bringing their 32-match scoring streak to an end.
Azmoun continued his impressive record at Rashid Stadium, where he has now scored 10 of his 16 ADNOC Pro League goals.
Shabab Al Ahli also extended their advantage in league meetings against Al Ain when their opponents entered as defending champions, recording their seventh victory compared with three for Al Ain.
Send feedback
