UAE football fans are braced for a blockbuster showdown on Thursday as Shabab Al Ahli host Al Ain at Rashid Stadium in matchweek five of the ADNOC Pro League.
Both sides head into the encounter level at the top of the table on 10 points apiece, with “The Boss” holding pole position thanks to a superior goal difference over “The Knights.” The clash is expected to be one of the season’s fiercest battles as the two heavyweights fight for outright leadership.
Ahead of kick-off, here are eight standout facts from the history of this fixture in the Pro League:
The fastest goal in the history of Shabab Al Ahli vs Al Ain came from José Sand, who struck for Al Ain after just three minutes and two seconds in a 5-1 win at Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in the 2009–10 season.
Elias Ribeiro netted the last-gasp goal during their meetings in the 93rd minute and 34 seconds for Al Ain in a 4-0 victory at Rashid Stadium during the 2010–11 campaign.
Only one direct free-kick goal has been scored during their previous encounters by Hosny Abd Rabo in a 2-2 draw at Rashid Stadium in 2008–09.
The only other season in which both teams started with 10 points from the opening four rounds, as they have this year, was 2016–17 and Al Jazira claimed the title by the end of the season.
Al Ain have never lost to Shabab Al Ahli in matches where Kodjo Laba has found the net (Win: 2, Draws: 2).
Al Ain (129) and Shabab Al Ahli (119) are the two teams with the most clean sheets in Pro League history.
Of the last 10 goals scored in this fixture, nine have come from right-footed strikes, with Laba Kodjo netting the only header.
Shabab Al Ahli remain unbeaten in Pro League encounters against Al Ain when Federico Cartabia scored (Wins: 25, Draws: 3).
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