The 2023/24 UAE Pro League season was a thrilling and competitive campaign, marked by numerous highlights and memorable moments. This comprehensive review covers the league’s overall performance, key statistics, standout teams, and notable players.
League Overview
The 2023-2024 ADNOC Pro League season concluded with a series of thrilling moments and impressive record-breaking statistics. Al Wasl claimed victory, securing the title after a fierce competition with Shabab Al Ahli and Al Ain. This championship marks Al Wasl’s first in the professional era and makes their coach, Milos Milojevic, the first Serbian manager to win the league.
Key Standings
1) Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club – Continuing their dominant form from last season, Shabab Al Ahli secured second place after a nail-biting contest at Al Wasl Stadium, ending in a 3-0 victory for Al Wasl.
2) Al Ain FC – The team performed consistently across all competitions, with notable victories in the prestigious Asian Champions League against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and Asian giants Al Hilal. Key players like Sofian Rahimi, Kaku, Bandar Lahbabi, and goalkeeper Khalid Eisa were instrumental.
3) Al Wasl – Dominating the season, Al Wasl remained unbeaten against all teams except Al Wahda. They completed the double by winning the President’s Cup and the league title after 17 years, clinching their 8th league title on the final matchday by defeating archrivals Al Nasr.
Notable Moments
This season stood out for its high-scoring matches, becoming the third professional era season to surpass 600 goals. A total of 642 goals were scored in 182 matches, averaging 3.4 goals per game. Al Wasl joined Shabab Al Ahli, Al Wahda, Al Jazira, Al Ain, and Sharjah as the sixth team to win the ADNOC Pro League title in the professional era. The team accumulated 67 points, the second-highest in Pro League history, just behind Al Jazira’s 68 points in the 2016-2017 season. Both Shabab Al Ahli and Al Wasl scored over 70 goals in a single season, with Shabab Al Ahli netting 73 goals and Al Wasl scoring 70.
Managerial Changes
Al Wasl appointed Miloš Milojević, whose fresh tactics led to a more consistent performance across all competitions. His leadership resulted in a double win and qualification for the Asian Champions League 2024-25 after clinching the league title.
Al Jazira hired Frank de Boer, aiming to leverage his extensive European experience, but he was later sacked after 14 matches due to poor performance.
Al Ain initially brought in Alfred Schreuder, but due to a lack of consistency between him and the coaching staff, he was replaced by Hernan Crespo. Under Crespo, Al Ain won the Asian Champions League but struggled to achieve domestic success.
Top Scorers
The race for the top scorer was highly competitive, with several players displaying exceptional goal-scoring abilities:
⚽ Omar Khribin (Al-Wahda FC) – 19 goals
Khribin’s unstoppable rampage fired Al-Wahda to success, netting 19 times to finish as the league’s top marksman.
⚽ Fábio Lima (Al-Wasl FC) – 17 goals
Lima’s 17 strikes, including several match-winning efforts, were pivotal in delivering Al-Wasl’s first league trophy in 17 years.
⚽ Igor Jesus (Shabab Al-Ahli Club) – 14 goals
Jesus’ 14 goals, including crucial winners, showcased his clinical edge and ability to influence big matches.
⚽ Munas Dabbur (Shabab Al-Ahli Club) – 14 goals
Dabbur’s 14 goals were integral to Shabab Al-Ahli’s impressive title challenge.
Prominent Matches
Some of the season’s most exciting matches included:
The Emirati Clasico: Al Wasl vs. Al Nasr
Al Wasl delivered a hammer blow to their bitter rivals Al Nasr, emerging 2-0 victors in a fiercely contested encounter. This victory asserted their dominance in the local rivalry.
Al Ain vs. Al Wahda
In a clash of the league’s heavyweights, Al Ain emerged victorious with a 2-0 win against Al Wahda. Goals from Epifani Loulendo and Haliru Sarki sealed the win in front of a bumper crowd.
New Signings
The transfer window saw significant activity, with clubs strengthening their squads:
⚽ Andrés Iniesta joined Emirates Club, bringing a wealth of experience and skill to the league, although the club was eventually relegated to Division One.
⚽ Miloš Milojević’s strategic signings for Al Wasl improved their overall squad depth.
A Season Etched in Glory
From sun-kissed stadiums, a symphony of goals has echoed, delighting all who witnessed. Records tumbled as the league’s finest illuminated the stage. Al Wasl, the prodigal sons, reclaimed their throne after years in the wilderness, a testament to perseverance. As the sun sets, we are left with awe and anticipation for the ever-evolving ADNOC Pro League. The stage is set, the curtain raised. The 2024/25 season is on the horizon.
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