Al Ain set to be champions with plenty to spare

Abu Dhabi: Al Ain seem to be following the trend of big European teams like Manchester United, Barcelona or Bayern Munich this season by opening up a big lead and ensuring themselves of the Etisalat Pro League five weeks before the end of the competition.

They have increased their tally to 55 points from 21 matches, 13 points more than Al Ahli in second place. Al Ain now need a single victory in their next match on Friday (April 19) against Dubai to secure the title, irrespective of the results of the remaining matches of the season.

Al Ahli were one of the biggest winners in the 21st week of Etisalat Pro League on Tuesday night, trouncing former second-placed Bani Yas 4-1 to snatch the second spot on the standings while Al Shabab was another big winner after humiliating Al Jazira 5-1 to, replace them in fourth spot.

With Al Ain almost settling the race for the title, the battle now centres on the other top places that qualify for the AFC Champions League next season. Meanwhile, the bottom battle sees Kalba, Dibba and Al Shaab fighting to escape relegation.

Bani Yas’ humiliating defeat was a surprise. The team, playing at home, came up with an ordinary performance to make the job easier for their guests.

A loss was however almost routine for Al Jazira, who are yet to win a league match since Luis Milla took over in February.

Both Dibba and Al Shaab registered victories and collected points, but they are still placed 13th and 12th with 14 and 17 points, respectively.

Kalba remained rock bottom with only 10 points. Ajman are running close to them in the relegation zone, but they have 22 points, while Dubai are a point above.

The matches of the 21st week betrayed defensive problems for most teams as strikers scored 28 goals over two days at an average of four per match.

Matei Radoi of Al Ain, Khalifa Abdulla of Al Wasl, Makhete Diop of Al Dhafra, Rami Yaslam of Dubai, Ciel of Al Shabab and Michel N’Dri of

Al Shaab each scored a brace.