04-05-2025
Al-Shorta draw level with leaders Al-Zawra'a after Iraqi Stars League R31 win
Baghdad ( – The Iraqi Stars League title race intensified dramatically on Saturday (May 3, 2025) as Al-Shorta secured a crucial 1-0 away victory over Newroz in Round 31, drawing level on points with leaders Al-Zawra'a.
Sajjad Jassim scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot just 11 minutes into the match. The win propelled Al-Shorta to 65 points. This matches the points tally of Al-Zawra'a, who were held to a 0-0 draw away at third-placed Zakho in their Round 31 fixture.
While Al-Zawra'a likely remain top for now due to a superior goal difference, the pressure mounts significantly as Al-Shorta (30 games played) crucially still hold one game in hand over the leaders (31 games played).
This tightens the thrilling battle for the Iraqi championship considerably with just a few rounds remaining. In Saturday's other match mentioned, Al-Mina'a boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 away win against Al-Karma, reaching 34 points.