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