Three goalkeepers played a pivotal role in their teams achieving positive results this round. Al-Nassr's goalkeeper, Ahmed Shambeih, helped his team secure a point against Al-Khorfakhan by saving seven dangerous shots. Al-Wasl's goalkeeper, Mohamed Ali, was at the right time to save two decisive chances during the match against Al-Jazira before his team won 1-0. Meanwhile, Al-Wahda's goalkeeper, Mohamed Al-Shamsi, bore the brunt of the pressure against Al-Ain after the team was reduced to ten men, as Al-Ain pressed hard in search of a win. However, Al-Shamsi saved several chances, most notably his correct run-out to stop one-on-one with Laba Kodjo.
Amidst exciting events and impactful results at the top and bottom of the table, the first phase of the ADNOC Pro League concluded with Al-Ahli (Dubai) clinching the winter title. At the same time, competition in the middle of the table intensified, and the circle of teams threatened by relegation widened. The last (13th) round saw crucial moments in added time, with three goals scored that directly affected the final standings in the table. The round also featured outstanding performances from goalkeepers. Seven standout moments from this round are highlighted in the following report:
Winter Partnership Broken Al-Ahli (Dubai) won the winter title for the sixth time, the second in a row, breaking the historic partnership with Al-Ain in the number of winter titles won. Previously, the two teams were tied with five titles each. "Dubai's Knights" had won the league in all seasons they had won this honorary title, except for the 2019-2020 season, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Win with Multiple Gains Al-Ahli's win over Dba was more than just three points; it propelled the team to the top of the table for the first time this season. It also gave them the advantage of being the team with the most wins (10), the strongest defense (conceding only three goals), and the team with the best goal difference (+24). Al-Ahli also now shares the top of the list for most goals scored (27) with Al-Ain.
Congestion in the Middle The middle of the table sees a fierce competition among five clubs with close points and levels. Sixth-placed Al-Nassr (19 points) is only five points ahead of 10th-placed Al-Sharjah. As the competition progresses, these teams are theoretically out of the title race, but they face the challenge of moving away from the danger zone.
Killer Minutes The 13th round saw three killer goals scored in added time that directly affected the final results of the matches. Al-Wasl scored the winning goal 1-0 against Al-Jazira in the 90+4th minute through Renato Junior. Al-Bataieh equalized 1-1 with Bani Yas in the 90+6th minute thanks to a goal from Anatoli Abang. Meanwhile, Al-Dhafra snatched a 1-1 draw against Al-Jazira with a goal from Marcelo Filho in the 90+2nd minute.
Influential Red Cards The round saw four direct red cards, all in just two matches. Al-Wahda's duo of Favor Ogbo and Facundo Daniel received red cards against Al-Ain, and their team barely managed a 2-2 draw. Dba, however, paid a heavy price for the red cards to Simon Cabral and Iago Azevedo, suffering a heavy 0-7 defeat.
Relegation Vortex Widens The relegation zone has expanded to include four clubs after being confined between last-placed Bani Yas (8 points) and second-last Dba (9 points). At the end of the first half of the season, Al-Khorfakan (11th, 10 points) and Al-Bataieh (12th, 10 points) have fallen into the relegation vortex. Meanwhile, Al-Sharjah, last season's AFC Champions League winner, is in a "gray area" between the middle and bottom of the table, occupying 10th place with 12 points.
Excellent Goalkeepers
