Al Nasr salvaged a 2-2 draw against Kalba at the Al Maktoum Stadium on Friday, mounting an impressive second-half recovery to open their ADNOC Pro League campaign with a point. While Kalba appeared to be in total control after establishing a two-goal lead within the first 20 minutes, the hosts shifted the momentum after the interval to force a share of the spoils.
The visitors signaled their intent early, with Nemanja Jovic finding the back of the net just seven minutes into the match. The goal stemmed from a sharp attacking sequence that saw Carlos Alberto exploit space on the right flank before delivering a precise cross to Jovic at the far post.
Kalba’s momentum continued as they doubled their advantage 13 minutes later. After earning a penalty, Saman Ghoddos Saman Ghoddos stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, leaving Al Nasr with a significant deficit to overcome before halftime.
The match dynamic transformed after the break as Al Nasr increased their intensity and began testing the Kalba defense with greater frequency. This persistence was rewarded in the 64th minute when Abdoulaye Toure timed his run perfectly to meet a cross from Wesley Delgado, heading the ball home to narrow the gap.
The goal provided a vital spark for the hosts, who maintained their pressure in search of an equalizer. Their efforts eventually led to a penalty opportunity, which Chris Bedia converted with composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the score at 2-2 and complete the comeback.
As the 2026–27 season gets underway, the league is looking back at the historical benchmarks set by previous champions. Currently, the record for the highest points tally in a single season is shared by Al Ain and Al Jazira, both of whom reached 68 points during their respective title-winning campaigns. Al Jazira established this standard in 2016–17, while Al Ain matched it in 2025–26.
Other notable performances include Al Wasl, who finished with 67 points during their 2023–24 championship run, and Shabab Al Ahli, who secured 66 points in 2015–16. Al Ain also appears on the list for their 2021–22 title, where they accumulated 65 points. For the current season, the 68-point mark serves as the primary target for contenders, with 69 points required to set a new league record.
The league’s scoring records also remain a point of interest for clubs this year. Al Ain holds the all-time record for the most goals in a single season, having netted 74 times during the 2012–13 campaign. This remains the highest mark in the competition’s history.
Shabab Al Ahli came remarkably close to that record during the 2023–24 season, finishing with 73 goals. As the new campaign progresses, these historical figures provide a clear standard for the teams aiming to leave their mark on the Pro League record books.
Kalba looked firmly in control after striking twice inside the opening 20 minutes, but Al Nasr responded after the break to turn the momentum of the contest and ensure the points were shared.
Kalba’s bright start was rewarded again just 13 minutes later.
Trailing 2-0, Al Nasr needed a response and produced one after the interval as they began to apply greater pressure on the Kalba defence.
The goal changed the complexion of the contest, giving Al Nasr renewed belief as they pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Bedia kept his composure from 12 yards, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-2 and complete an impressive recovery from the hosts.
With the new title has begun, the 68-point mark once again provides a benchmark for the contenders.
The competition’s record books feature several outstanding scoring campaigns, but one figure continues to stand above the rest.
The remarkable tally remains unmatched and reflects the attacking power Al Ain displayed throughout that season.
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