UAE Pro League Drama: Al Ain Stages Incredible Comeback While Andrea Pirlo Suffers Tough Debut

UAE champions Al Ain fought back from a 2-0 deficit against Baniyas to secure a dramatic 4-2 victory, preserving their long-standing unbeaten record on Sunday night. Al Ain went undefeated last season and have not suffered a Pro League defeat since a 3-2 loss at Dibba in March 2025. That impressive run appeared to be coming to an end when Mali international Youssoufou Niakate scored twice in the first half to put Baniyas firmly in control.

Al Ain's new $6 million striker Giorgos Giakoumakis had a spectacular equaliser ruled out by VAR for an earlier infringement, making it seem like a frustrating night for the defending champions. However, Soufiane Rahimi converted a penalty just before half-time, and his brother Houssine dragged the side level in the 81st minute before scoring again in injury-time to complete the remarkable turnaround. Kaku added a fourth goal to seal the three points, producing a final scoreline that masked the early danger Al Ain faced.

Also on Sunday, Cosmin Olaroiu enjoyed a winning start to the league campaign with Al Jazira. The Abu Dhabi side bounced back from a midweek defeat against Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad in an Asian Champions League play-off by beating Hatta 2-0, with goals from Simon Banza and Ali Almemari.

One of the major storylines of the season is the arrival of Italy legend Andrea Pirlo in the UAE top flight. However, his newly promoted Dubai United side received a harsh lesson in the level of competition during their Saturday night fixture against Al Wasl, one of the country's most traditional clubs, in a new Dubai derby.

The match ended in a 5-1 thrashing for United FC. Renato Junior opened the scoring for the hosts before Adel Wajdan netted United FC's historic first Pro League goal. The turning point arrived via Nagoro Dao's 63rd-minute own goal, after which Al Wasl pulled away thanks to an Ali Saleh strike and a brace from Serginho. Although United FC competed well for long spells, Al Wasl's ruthless finishing proved decisive.

Sharjah began their season impressively, securing a 3-1 victory away against Al Dhafra. Luan Pereira opened the scoring for the visitors, and although Dominique Mendy equalised on the hour mark, Sharjah's new Brazilian attackers Julimar and Agner both scored to seal the opening day win. Meanwhile, Shabab Al Ahli overwhelmed Khorfakkan 5-1 with five second-half goals, featuring a brace from Saeid Ezatolahi alongside goals by Yuri Cesar, Sardar Azmoun, and Rikelme.

Al Wahda, who struggled toward the end of last season, opened the new campaign with a disappointing 3-2 home defeat against Ajman on Friday night. Ajman took a 2-0 lead through Lourency Do and Victor Henrique. Although Mohammad Rasoul gave Al Wahda hope, Henrique's second goal secured the win for Ajman, rendering Brahima Diarra's late strike a consolation. In Friday's other match, Al Nasr and Kalba played out a 2-2 draw, sharing the points.