Al Ain reach summit with win over Shabab Al Ahli in thriller, Al Wahda down Al Jazira

Al Ain claimed top spot in the Adnoc Pro League after defeating Shabab Al Ahli IO in a dramatic Matchweek 5 clash at the Rashid Stadium.

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Alejandro Romero 'Kaku' struck the decisive goal in the 71st minute with a thunderous effort from outside the box, sealing three points for the visitors. The result lifted Al Ain to 13 points at the top, while Shabab Al Ahli remained on 10 points in fourth place.

The first half ended goalless but was full of action. Shabab Al Ahli threatened early when Yuri Cesar hit the crossbar, before Laba Kodjo had a goal ruled out for a foul.

The Togolese striker Laba also went close twice before halftime, while Eisa produced another big stop to keep the score level at the break.

The second half continued with high drama. Federico Cartabia's strike rattled the post in the 54th minute, and Matias Palacios hit the bar again for Shabab Al Ahli in the 66th.

The breakthrough came when Kaku unleashed a rocket into the net, scoring Al Ain's first long range goal against Shabab Al Ahli in the league since Tsukasa Shiotani in 2017.