Al Jazira’s Asian Champions League campaign came to an abrupt end on Monday evening after a goalless draw with Al Fateh at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Having justifiably prioritised the Arabian Gulf League over their continental commitments so far this season, Jazira entered the match needing a win to keep their faint hopes alive in Group B following three successive defeats.
Despite enjoying 62 per cent of the possession, Jazira could only muster two shots on target over the 90 minutes and the point earned in Abu Dhabi was not enough to salvage their Champions League bid.
The club from the capital can, however, take comfort in the fact that they are on the brink of their first league title in seven years. Jazira lead the Arabian Gulf League standings by eight points with four games of the season remaining.
In the later fixture, Al Wahda fell the same way as their Abu Dhabi rivals, a 1-0 defeat in Riyadh to Saudi Arabian league champions Al Hilal ending their interests in Asia.
A penalty from Brazilian midfielder Carlos Eduardo midway though the first half proved the difference between the two sides.
From four teams entered in the competition, the UAE are down to their final two, both of whom are better placed than Jazira and Wahda to progress to the knockout stages.
Al Ain occupy second in Group C and host the leaders — and recently-deposed Saudi champions — Al Ahli on Tuesday evening at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, knowing a victory will elevate them to top spot.
Meanwhile in Group A, second-placed Al Ahli travel to Saudi Arabia to face third-placed Al Taawoun, but with both clubs level on three points, a defeat could prove costly for either side.
* The National staff
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
