Abu Dhabi, UAE – Al Ain reclaimed the top spot in the UAE Pro League standings after securing a crucial 2-0 victory over Al Wasl. The match, held at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, concluded the 19th round of fixtures.
Al Ain’s goals were scored by Palacios in the second minute and Yahya Benkhaleq in the 20th minute of the first half.
نهاية المباراة بفوز العين بنتيجة 2-0 على الوصل واستعادة صدارة الدوري من جديد 🟣🔝
شاهد الهدفين ⚽⚽#العين_الوصل#دوري_أدنوك_للمحترفين pic.twitter.com/dxgSAdMc7j
— ADSportsTV (@ADSportsTV) March 12, 2026With this victory, Al Ain increased their points tally to 47, maintaining their lead at the top of the league table. Al Wasl, meanwhile, remain on 30 points in fifth place.
Al Ain started the match strongly, with Palacios opening the scoring early with a superb strike from outside the penalty area in the second minute. This was the fastest goal in the league this season, after just 61 seconds, and also the fastest goal in the history of matches between the two teams in the Pro League.
Al Wasl tried to respond quickly, as Sergio Pereira unleashed a powerful shot in the 13th minute after a remarkable dribble, but Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa made a solid save.
Al Ain didn’t wait long to extend their lead, with defender Yahya Benkhaleq scoring the second goal in the 20th minute, capitalizing on a well-organized attack and finishing it off. The first half ended with the home side leading 2-0.
In the second half, Al Wasl continued their attempts to reduce the deficit, but Khalid Eisa’s brilliance prevented Al Ain from conceding a goal. The team maintained their lead until the final whistle and reclaimed the top spot in the league standings.
