Leonardo fires as Al Jazira back on top
Al Wahda move up to fifth place with close victory over Hatta
Al Jazira’s big winter signing Brazilian Leonardo made a telling statement in his new club’s 3-2 away victory over Al Wasl as his club regained their top position in the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) standings on Friday.
“It was a game between two teams who’d lost confidence after a fantastic first half of season, a fighting game, not great football. It was, how you say, women and children first, kicking the ball away,” said Al Jazira coach Henk ten Cate.
“But I’m very relieved we broke the January spell. We are still in it and it is nice to be top again, but I don’t care. I want my players back as soon as possible, then we can talk about the table,” added ten Cate.
Al Wahda, meanwhile, went fifth in the standings with a 3-2 home win over Hatta in Round 14 yesterday.
The victory for Javier Aguirre’s side at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi gives them 24 points, while Hatta remain on 15.
In another outing, Al Nasr let go of a lead to be held to a 2-2 draw at home to Al Dhafra.
The result puts The Blues in 6th place with 22 points, whilst Al Dhafra stay eighth with 20points.
Ailton Almeida put Al Jazira in the lead with fine strike in the 13th minute. Hosts Al Wasl, however, remained undeterred and shot back at the half-an-hour mark. Ronaldo Mendes’ stunning free-kick leaving Ali Khaseif rooted under the bar.
Al Jazira then regained their lead with defender Saif Almeqbali heading home from a set piece. With less than minutes into the second half, Al Jazira widened the lead to 3-1 with Leonardo making a telling statement by opening his accounts for his new team from a free-kick.
Al Wasl still managed to cut the deficit to 3-2 as Fabio de Lima netted from a tight angle.
“The two teams were at the same level, there was no difference, except for the scoreline and the Al Jazira goalkeeper was one of the best players,” said Rodolfo Arruabarrena, adding, “It was a difficult evening, but we have to come out together. The only thing I know is hard work. I also know there are things we are not doing well.”