Matias Palacios put Al Ain in front after 20 minutes with a fierce effort struck from the edge of the box, leaving goalkeeper Ali Khaseif unable to react as it flew into the net.
Matias Palacios put Al Ain in front after 20 minutes with a fierce effort struck from the edge of the box, leaving goalkeeper Ali Khaseif unable to react as it flew into the net.
Al Jazira increased their pressure and were rewarded in the 37th minute. Bruno De Oliveira latched onto Mamadou Coulibaly’s well-weighted pass that split the defense before placing a low finish beyond Khalid Eisa to level the score.
The opening period also featured decisive moments from VAR and from Eisa himself. The Al Ain keeper thwarted several dangerous attacks that threatened to alter the momentum of the match.
In stoppage time, Al Jazira earned a spot-kick following contact on Rami Rabieea, but Eisa denied Ibrahim Adel from the penalty mark, preserving the draw heading into the break.
Immediately after the missed penalty, Simon Banza headed the ball into the goal, but the effort was disallowed due to a foul committed in the buildup.
The Al Ain goalkeeper continued to play a central role in keeping the match level, repeatedly frustrating Al Jazira’s attempts to seize the lead.
VAR involvement proved vital once more, ensuring that key decisions were reviewed and confirming the officiating throughout the first 45 minutes.
Al Ain were forced to substitute their goalkeeper early in the second half when Eisa sustained an injury. Hassan Sani Mohamed entered the pitch to replace him.
With both sides wary of costly mistakes, the remainder of the match unfolded cautiously, with neither team able to generate consistent openings.
Another VAR check five minutes from the end stopped Al Jazira from claiming a second goal, keeping the result unchanged.
The stalemate ensures Al Ain remain at the summit of the table with 20 points. Al Jazira holds fifth place on 15 points, keeping themselves firmly in the chase.
Both teams leave the encounter reflecting on missed chances and the narrow margins that shaped a tightly contested fixture in the ADNOC Pro League.
