Al Wahda fight back to secure draw with Al Jazira

Gulf Today

21-05-2025

The latest edition of the Abu Dhabi derby delivered high drama and end-to-end action as Al Wahda came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw against city rivals Al Jazira in matchweek 25 of the Pro League on Monday night at Al Nahyan Stadium.
With the atmosphere electric and the stakes high, the match lived up to its billing as one of the fiercest rivalries in UAE football.
Both teams showed attacking intent from the first whistle, and the game quickly turned into a pulsating battle of wills, emotions, and moments of brilliance.
The draw sees Al Wahda climb to second place in the standings with 45 points.
Al Jazira, meanwhile, remain in seventh position with 37 points, still in contention for a top-four finish but ruing the missed opportunity to take all three points from their fierce rivals.
Al Jazira made a dream start to the derby, striking early to stun the home fans.
In just the fourth minute, Moroccan winger Nassim Chadli unleashed a thunderous long-range strike from just outside the box that rocketed into the top right corner of the net, leaving Al Wahda goalkeeper Rashed Ali rooted to the spot.
It was a goal of the highest quality, setting the tone for what would become a gripping encounter.
Despite going behind, Al Wahda refused to be rattled. They gradually grew into the game, with midfielders Ahmad Noorollah and Ala Zhir orchestrating play and probing the Al Jazira defense.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 39th minute. Mohammad Rasoul rose above the defenders and powered in a header from Noorollah's expertly delivered corner kick to level the score at 1-1.
The timing of the goal gave the home side momentum heading into the break.
After the restart, Al Jazira came out with renewed urgency and quickly reclaimed the lead.
In the 54th minute, French playmaker Nabil Fekir curled in a precise corner to the far post, where defender Ravil Tagir headed the ball back across the face of goal.
Argentine striker Ramon Mierez met it with a thunderous header, restoring Al Jazira's advantage in style.
The match continued at a high tempo, with both sides pressing relentlessly.
Al Wahda nearly found the equalizer midway through the second half when Ala Zhir slipped a clever through pass to Facundo Daniel inside the box.
The Argentine forward found himself one-on-one with veteran goalkeeper Ali Khaseif, but Al Jazira captain showed his class with a crucial save to preserve his team's lead.
The final minutes were tense, with both teams pushing for a late winner, but neither side could find the decisive goal. In the end, the spoils were shared in what was a fittingly intense and memorable clash between two of the capital's giants.
In another match, Al Ain and Ajman battled to a goalless stalemate at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
Despite flashes of attacking promise late in the game, neither side was able to find the back of the net in a match that will be remembered more for its missed opportunities than its moments of brilliance.