Iraqi Stars League R29 preview: Huge Baghdad derby set to ignite title race
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Stars League title race is set for a potentially decisive showdown this week as Round 29 commences on Monday, April 21st, following the conclusion of Round 28 over the weekend. The latest results have set the stage for a monumental Baghdad Derby between the top two teams.
Round 28 saw leaders Al-Shorta maintain their narrow advantage with a crucial 1-0 away win against Al-Mina'a, taking them to 59 points from just 27 games. Close rivals Al-Zawra'a kept pace by defeating Al-Karma 2-0, moving to 58 points but having played one game more (28 GP). Third-placed Zakho stumbled, losing 1-0 to Naft Maysan, remaining on 52 points (28 GP) and losing ground on the leaders. Meanwhile, Al-Talaba (47 pts / 27 GP) and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (44 pts / 28 GP) both secured wins to stay in contention for continental spots.
All eyes now turn to Round 29, and specifically to Tuesday, April 22nd (7:30 PM), when Al-Shorta host Al-Zawra'a in a Baghdad Derby clash laden with significance. With just one point separating them and Al-Shorta holding a game in hand, this match could heavily influence the destiny of the league title.
Other key fixtures in Round 29 include Al-Naft vs Al-Talaba (Monday), plus Newroz vs Zakho and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya vs Al-Najaf on Tuesday. The round continues through Wednesday and Thursday with further matches impacting European places and the relegation battle.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Iraqi News
4 days ago
- Iraqi News
Chinese Decision Halts Al-Ahly Negotiations with Cristiano Ronaldo
Follow-up - INA China's conditions regarding hosting the Saudi Super Cup have stalled Al-Ahly's negotiations with Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who is now free to negotiate with any club after his contract with Al-Nassr expires at the end of the 2025 season. According to reports published by the Spanish newspaper Marca, Ronaldo expressed his desire to leave Al-Nassr after two and a half seasons during which he failed to win any official title with the team. The newspaper indicated that "Al-Nassr's loss in the AFC Champions League, in addition to its failure to qualify for the continental tournament next season, played a major role in prompting the Portuguese star to decide to change his destination." For his part, sports journalist Khaled Al-Zahrani revealed that Saudi officials had reservations about Ronaldo's move to Al-Ahly, due to the Chinese side's condition of his attendance at the Saudi Super Cup as a condition for agreeing to host it. The tournament includes Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Qadisiyah, making Ronaldo's move to Al-Hilal more logical in light of these factors, especially since Al-Hilal is the player's preferred destination, while Al-Ahly is a second option. Despite these obstacles, Al-Zahrani confirmed that "Ronaldo remains keen to embark on a new experience in the Saudi League, preferring to move to Al-Hilal if a final agreement is reached."
Iraqi News
5 days ago
- Iraqi News
Iraqi stars Bayesh, Rashid, Putros join Basra camp for World Cup qualifiers
Basra ( – Key members of the Iraqi national football team have begun arriving at Basra International Airport to join the squad's training camp at Basra Sports City. The camp, led by new head coach Graham Arnold, is in preparation for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying matches. Among the arrivals are Saudi-based Al-Riyadh SC professional Ibrahim Bayesh, Erbil SC's Osama Rashid, and Port FC (Thailand) defender Frans Putros. The first training session under Arnold took place on Monday (May 26, 2025) with 19 players present. Star midfielder Montadhar Majid of Sweden's Hammarby IF is expected to join the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' after playing his final club match next Saturday. Iraq faces two vital qualifiers in early June: against South Korea on June 5th and Jordan on June 10th. The team is now intensifying its preparations as the full squad assembles under their new Australian coach for these pivotal encounters.
Iraqi News
6 days ago
- Iraqi News
Ronaldo announces Al-Nassr chapter ‘over'
Paris – Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo indicated on Monday that he could leave Al-Nassr after declaring that a 'chapter is over' hours after the Saudi Pro League finished. Ronaldo, 40, joined Al-Nassr in 2022 from Manchester United and his contract in Saudi Arabia ends this summer. A special transfer window runs from June 1-10 to allow the 32 clubs involved in the Club World Cup to sign players. 'This chapter is over,' Ronaldo cryptically said on social media with a photo of him in an Al-Nassr shirt. 'The story? Still being written. 'Grateful to all,' the former Real Madrid and Juventus attacker added. Al-Nassr missed out on the Asian Champions League Elite, losing to Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in April's semi-finals and were third in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo ended as the league's top goal scorer on 24. Last year, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he could end his career wit Al-Nassr.
