UAE Pro League: Crespo’s Al-Ain suffer damaging derby defeat to Al-Wahda

A damaging Abu Dhabi Clasico continued Hernan Crespo’s mixed start at Al-Ain, leaders Al-Wasl weathered a stringent title test and spiralling Emirates Club’s misery extended in ADNOC Pro League’s matchweek 11.

Saturday’s finale pitted “the Boss” against bitter-rivals Al-Wahda, who prevailed 2-0 on enemy territory despite gaining just 26-per-cent possession courtesy of ruthless strikes by on-song Syria forward Omar Khrbin and Russia winger Zelimkhan Bakaev.

A sublime free-kick and selfless assist earlier in the evening from outstanding summer recruit Nicolas Gimenez edged 10-man Wasl past dogged Ittihad Kalba 2-1, in a fiery contest.

Al-Jazira, meanwhile, began life minus the dismissed Frank de Boer with a 1-0 win at Emirates, who slumped to bottom after a seventh-successive defeat and fellow-promoted outfit Hatta’s goalless stalemate against Al-Bataeh.

Former Flamengo teenager Mateusao got both goals when reigning champions Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club rebounded from ADIB Cup quarter-final elimination with a 2-1 triumph at Baniyas and ex-Porto attacker Moussa Marega also doubled up during rejuvenated Sharjah’s 4-1 thrashing of lowly Khor Fakkan.

A breakthrough week for Alfred Schreuder at Al-Nasr culminated in a dominant 3-0 victory at Ajman, highlighted by goals from Morocco maverick Adel Taarabt and ex-Italy forward Manolo Gabbiadini (two).

Here are Arab News’ top picks and a talking point from the latest action.

Player of the week: Zelimkhan Bakaev (Al-Wahda)

A fan favorite is emerging.

Eyebrows were raised this summer when Wahda secured Bakaev’s loan. The senior international had netted twice from 33 appearances at Zenit St. Petersburg in a successful debut campaign, containing Russian Premier League and Super