Dubai: Al Wasl coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena was proud of his side’s goalless draw at home to defending champions Al Ahli on Monday as it showed they could compete despite the gulf in resources between the two sides.
The Cheetahs are still top of the league despite the draw following seven wins on the trot. Meanwhile, the stalemate completes the Red Knight’s fourth game without a win.
“I am very proud of my team, they showed they have character in a very important match, against the champions,” said Arruabarrena. “We played against a team with much more money and many national team players, but we showed we can compete.”
Al Ahli coach Cosmin Olaroiu said: “Both teams were trying to play with great spirit and aggression, all the ingredients were there for a great match.
“I wish we could play all our games like this. We have to continue. If we play like this in all games we will have no problem.”
Elsewhere, on Monday fourth-placed Al Wahda were held to a goalless draw at home to second-from-bottom Emirates.
Al Wahda coach Javier Aguirre said: “Teams like Emirates come with a defensive mindset, and sometimes it’s hard to score against such play.”
Meanwhile, bottom-of-the-league Bani Yas were thrashed 4-1 away to Sharjah. Joaquin Larrivey opened Bani Yas’ account after the half hour before a Gelmin Rivas hat-trick and lone effort from Saif Rashid overturned the deficit.
