Al Ain Crowned Champions | Week 26, UAE Pro League 2025/26 Highlights
Al Ain Crowned Champions | Week 26, UAE Pro League 2025/26 Highlights
The 2025/26 ADNOC Pro League season came to a dramatic conclusion with Al Ain completing an extraordinary unbeaten campaign, while the relegation battle was decided on the final day.
Al Ain 4-0 Dibba
Champions Al Ain finished their historic season in style with a dominant 4-0 victory over Dibba. Vladimir Ivic's side completed the entire league campaign unbeaten while equaling the league record points tally of 68. Kodjo Laba once again played a major role throughout the season, finishing as Golden Boot winner with 25 goals. For Dibba, defeat proved devastating as their survival hopes depended on other results going in their favor.
Shabab Al Ahli 1-1 Al Bataeh
Al Bataeh battled hard to keep their survival hopes alive and earned a crucial point away to Shabab Al Ahli. Borges' goal looked like it might be enough to save them from relegation, moving them above Dibba in the standings. However, events elsewhere would ultimately condemn them to the drop after four seasons in the top flight.
Al Dhafra 1-0 Al Wahda
The decisive moment in the relegation battle came through Karim El Berkaoui's brilliant finish as Al Dhafra secured a dramatic survival-clinching victory. The striker's 11th goal of the season gave Al Dhafra their first win since January and completed an incredible escape after a difficult second half of the campaign. Head coach Alen Horvat praised his team for becoming the first promoted side in four years to avoid immediate relegation.
Al Jazira 4-1 Bani Yas
Al Jazira sealed fourth place and qualification for the AFC Champions League 2 with an emphatic derby victory over Bani Yas. Marino Pusic's side got the job done early with a dominant first-half display to comfortably secure continental football after an impressive turnaround since his arrival earlier in the season.
Ajman 2-2 Al Nasr
Ajman and Al Nasr shared the points in an entertaining encounter to close out their campaigns. Abdoulaye Toure produced a stunning stoppage-time free kick to rescue a draw for Ajman, who improved on last season by finishing seventh. Al Nasr's strong form in 2026 helped them secure sixth place once again.
Sharjah 3-1 Khorfakkan
Sharjah ended a difficult season on a positive note with a convincing home win over Khorfakkan. Harib Suhail's late strike sealed the victory and lifted Sharjah into eighth place in the final standings, while Khorfakkan slipped down to ninth after a disappointing finish to the campaign.
Al Wasl 2-1 Kalba
Al Wasl continued their excellent end-of-season form with a fifth consecutive victory to comfortably secure third place. Miguel Borja proved to be the match winner as Rui Vitória's side capped off an impressive run since the Portuguese coach arrived at the club. Kalba, meanwhile, finished safely above the relegation zone after a tense season.
Season Summary
Al Ain finish the 2025/26 season as deserved champions after an incredible unbeaten campaign, ending 10 points clear at the top of the table. Al Wasl secured third place, while Al Jazira claimed the final AFC Champions League 2 spot. At the bottom, Al Dhafra completed a remarkable escape from relegation, while Al Bataeh and Dibba were relegated to the First Division. The season delivered drama, surprises, and a memorable finish across the league.