The National's Sport cover for the Thursday, May 21 issue, featuring Al Ain and Al Ahli as they played to a goalless stalemate in the first leg of their Asian Champions League last 16 tie.
Maryam Al Shamsi reports on the match, noting the fierce rivalry between the two Arabian Gulf League clubs was not evident in the scoresheet:
“The first leg of the Asian Champions League last 16 tie between UAE rivals Al Ahli and Al Ain fizzled out into a 0-0 at the Rashid Stadium.
“It leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of next week’s second leg in Al Ain.”
John McAuley, also reporting from the match, quotes Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic: "Everything is open."
Added Dalic: “I can say nothing now because every time we play against Ahli it’s a tough game, both teams fight. This is always the way.”
Meanwhile, Al Ahli manager Cosmin Olaroiu said:
“The good thing is we didn’t concede a goal, but the bad thing is we created chances and didn’t score.
“When you play against a team like Al Ain you need to take the chances you create.”
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