Al Jazira secured a crucial 2-1 win over Al Wasl at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Sunday, November 8, to top the ADNOC Pro League standings in Matchweek 8.
Vinicius Mello opened the scoring for the hosts in the 18th minute, before Nicolas Gimenez equalised for Al Wasl in the 50th. Malcom then struck the winner in the 73rd minute to secure all three points for Al Jazira.
The victory lifted Al Jazira to 17 points at the top of the table, while Al Wasl remained fourth with 13 points.
Al Jazira made a strong attacking start and broke the deadlock when Mello headed home a cross from Marcus Meloni after 18 minutes.
Al Wasl responded by increasing their attacking pressure and enjoyed 63% possession in the first half, compared with Al Jazira's 36%. The visitors registered seven attempts, including four on target, but were unable to find an equaliser before the break.
Al Wasl made a brighter start to the second half, with Gimenez bringing the visitors level five minutes after the restart.
However, the goalscorer was sent off in the 56th minute following a VAR review. Al Jazira were subsequently reduced to 10 men when Meloni received a second yellow card.
Despite the dismissals, Al Jazira regained their advantage in the 73rd minute through Malcom, whose decisive goal secured an important victory for the hosts.
Both teams continued to create opportunities in the closing stages, but Al Jazira held firm to claim all three points and strengthen their position at the top of the standings.
Mello has now scored twice against Al Wasl in the ADNOC Pro League, with both goals coming from headers. Gimenez has scored three league goals against Al Jazira, all at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Meanwhile, Malcom has been directly involved in nine goals across his last eight appearances for Al Jazira in all competitions, scoring six and providing three assists.
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