Al Nasr salvaged a 2-2 draw against Kalba at Al Maktoum Stadium during an engaging start to their 2026-27 ADNOC Pro League campaign. Despite falling two goals behind early in the match, the hosts mounted a determined second-half recovery to ensure the points were shared.
Kalba asserted dominance in the opening 20 minutes, finding the net just seven minutes into the contest. A precise attacking sequence saw Carlos Alberto deliver a cross from the right flank to Nemanja Jovic, who converted from close range at the far post. The visitors extended their lead 13 minutes later when Saman Ghoddos successfully converted a penalty, sending the opposing goalkeeper the wrong way to put Al Nasr in a difficult position.
Following the interval, Al Nasr increased their intensity and began applying significant pressure on the Kalba defense. This persistence yielded a breakthrough in the 64th minute as Abdoulaye Toure connected with a cross from Wesley Delgado, heading the ball into the net to narrow the gap. This goal shifted the momentum, providing the hosts with the necessary belief to pursue an equalizer.
The comeback was completed when Al Nasr earned a penalty, which Chris Bedia coolly dispatched by sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. The 2-2 result marked a resilient recovery for the home side, turning what appeared to be an opening-day defeat into a valuable point.
As the new season progresses, clubs are looking toward the historical benchmarks set by previous champions. The record for the highest points tally in a single Pro League season is currently shared by Al Ain and Al Jazira, both of whom reached 68 points. Al Jazira established this standard during the 2016-17 season, and Al Ain matched it in 2025-26.
Other notable performances include Al Wasl, who finished with 67 points during their 2023-24 championship run. Shabab Al Ahli follow with 66 points from their 2015-16 title-winning campaign, while Al Ain also recorded 65 points during their 2021-22 championship victory.
Contenders for the current title are aware that reaching 69 points would establish a new record for the highest total ever achieved by a Pro League champion. The 68-point mark remains the primary target for teams aiming to secure the trophy.
The league’s historical scoring records also remain a point of interest. Al Ain holds the record for the most goals in a single season, having scored 74 times during the 2012-13 campaign. This remains the highest mark in the competition’s history.
Shabab Al Ahli came close to matching that feat during the 2023-24 season, netting 73 goals. That performance places them second on the all-time list for most goals scored by a single team in one season, keeping the pressure on the long-standing record set by Al Ain.
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.
A well-worked move opened up space for Carlos Alberto down the right, and his delivery across goal found Nemanja Jovic at the far post, where the forward made no mistake from close range.
Abdoulaye Toure timed his movement into the area perfectly to meet Wesley Delgado’s cross, directing his header into the net and cutting the deficit to one.
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.
Kalba controlled the early stages with two goals inside 20 minutes, but the balance shifted after the break.
Al Jazira first set the benchmark during their dominant 2016–17 campaign, before Al Ain matched the record in 2025–26, with both sides demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout their title-winning seasons.
With the new title has begun, the 68-point mark once again provides a benchmark for the contenders.
