Abu Dhabi: Al Jazira continued to lead the UAE Pro-League (UFL) despite squandering two valuable points following their exciting 2-2 draw in the capital derby against Al Wahda in the 14th week of competition.
Al Jazira, seven points clear of Bani Yas, remain unbeaten this season thanks again to the lethal combination of Brazilian duo Bare and Ricardo Oliveira, who both scored to bring the team back from behind after Mohammad Al Shehhi put their traditional rivals into the lead at the start of the second half.
Failure to capitalise
But others could not capitalise on Al Jazira's dropped points, as nearest rivals Bani Yas were forced to settle for a goalless draw at home with Al Wasl to keep the gap at seven points with eight more matches to play.
Al Jazira and Bani Yas are almost certain to make up the top two come the end of the season, as there are 13 points between top spot and Al Shabab in third.
The battle to escape relegation is fierce and will pick up pace in the coming weeks as there are just five points separating Al Ittihad at the bottom of the standings with fourth-from-bottom Dubai, Al Ain and Al Dhafrah slotting in between them.
Significant in the struggle for survival this week were the improved performances and the fighting spirit shown by both Al Ittihad and Dubai, each picking up valuable points away from home.
Both could have beaten stronger teams as Al Ittihad drew 2-2 with Al Ahli thanks to a late goal from Esmail Al Hammadi and Dubai drew 1-1 with Al Nasr after a penalty.
The performance and fighting spirit of Al Ittihad and Dubai should serve as a big caution to Al Ain, 11th with 11 points, and Al Dhafrah, tenth with 12 points, who both lost their matches and conceded ground to the teams around them.
Fans revolt
Al Shabab continued their positive results and advanced, for the first time this season, to third, overtaking Al Ahli.
The poor performance of Al Ahli in their draw with Al Ittihad led to a mass revolt from the club's fans, demanding changes in both the technical staff of the team and board of directors.
And while many times a goal can solve the problem, the late effort by Al Hammad, though exciting, did not succeed in diffusing the anger of the supporters.
