With only a few days remaining before the 18th edition of the ADNOC Pro League kicks off on August 16 and 17, excitement is at its peak as 14 clubs prepare to compete for the title in what is expected to be a highly competitive season.
Ahead of the ADNOC Pro League's opening matchweek, attention turns to how defending champions have performed in their opening matches during the following season since the start of the professional era in 2008–2009.
In 2009–2010, Shabab Al Ahli, champions of the previous season, lost 3–1 to Al Wahda. The following year, Al Wahda, as title holders, were defeated 2–0 by Al Wasl.
Al Jazira opened their title defense in 2011–2012 with a strong 4–0 win over Shabab Al Ahli.
Al Ain, the 2011–2012 champions, began the next season with a 6–3 loss to Shabab Al Ahli, and then suffered a 3–1 defeat to Al Shabab at the start of the 2013–2014 season.
In 2014–2015, Shabab Al Ahli beat Sharjah 1–0 in their opening match as champions. Al Ain won 3–1 against Al Dhafra in 2015–2016, while Shabab Al Ahli defeated Emirates 4–0 to open the 2016–2017 season.
Al Jazira edged Ajman 1–0 in the first round of 2017–2018, followed by Al Ain’s 3–1 win over Emirates in 2018–2019.
Sharjah began their 2019–2020 season with a 2–0 win against Khorfakkan after winning the previous title, although that season was later cancelled.
Al Jazira defeated Al Dhafra 2–0 in their 2021–2022 opener, while Al Ain started their 2022–2023 campaign with a 1–1 draw against Ajman.
Shabab Al Ahli opened 2023–2024 with a 3–0 win over Ajman. Most recently, Al Wasl, the 2023–2024 champions, started their 2024–2025 season with a 2–2 draw against Kalba.
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