"Serhiy Rebrov's Al Ain has lost its championship chances

Emirati side Al Ain, coached by Ukrainian coach Serhiy Rebrov, have failed to defend their league title this season.

Collage - Al Ain FC

Yesterday, on the penultimate round of the UAE championship, Al Ain snatched victory over Al Wasl (3-2) on 12 (!) minutes into the second half, but it did not help Rebrov's side to continue in the title race. Runners-up Shabab also won their match of the tour, leaving them three points adrift. "Al Ain can catch up with the leader, but in a tie, Shabab will have the advantage in head-to-head encounters (2-1, 1-1).

At the same time, with one round to go, Al Ain have not yet secured second place: third-placed Al Wahda have the same number of points.

UAE league leaders with one round to go:

1. "Shabab" - 54 points
2. "Al Ain - 51
3. "Al Wahda - 51
4. "Ajiman" - 44.

It was reported earlier that Al Ain had decided not to extend Rebrov's partnership: the club have already started looking for a new coach.