DUBAI // Edgar Bruno, the Al Shabab striker, urged his side to continue their recent good form with a victory against Al Nasr in tonight’s derby.
The Dubai club enter the match at the Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium on a run in which they have won five times in seven matches in all competitions. They last suffered defeat in the Arabian Gulf League in late October.
Ten points from four fixtures since that surprise loss at Al Shaab have helped Shabab emerge as Al Ahli’s closest challengers in the race for the title, with manager Marcos Paqueta’s side having climbed to second in the table. Four points separate the Dubai neighbours.
However, Shabab have the opportunity against Nasr to increase the pressure on Ahli at the top of standings, with the league leaders not in action until tomorrow’s late kick-off with Al Wasl.
The Nasr clash provides extra incentive, too, and not simply because of the clubs’ geographical proximity.
Ivan Jovanovic’s fast-improving side currently sit third, knowing victory would move them level on points with Shabab.
Bruno, therefore, is understandably keen to remind his teammates of the significance of this evening’s tie. “This one game is very important, and difficult, because if Nasr win, they arrive on the same points as us, so we must get a good result,” said the Brazilian. “We want to continue in the same position, close to Ahli.
“We feel there is the chance to make many points difference between us and Nasr. And we play at our home, so we have to win this game.”
Bruno’s own contribution will be key to Shabab’s hopes of success. The powerful forward has been the club’s standout player during the past few weeks, beginning with a four-goal haul in last month’s rout of Al Dhafra.
Bruno offered confirmation of his ability last Monday, when he provided a man-of-the-match display in the President’s Cup triumph against Dubai club.
His two goals there – he also created the other two goals in a 4-1 victory – lifted his 2013/14 tally to 11 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions.
Yet, while he may have been integral to Shabab’s recent prosperity, Bruno insists the team will require some additional assistance when they entertain Nasr.
Especially given Nasr have already beaten them at home this season, when they clinched a 2-0 victory in the League Cup two months ago.
“We need our supporters in this match,” Bruno said. “They come to cheer us, during matches and in training, and they really help us. We think of the supporters as being together with the team. They’re so important for us.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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