Al Nasr staged a determined comeback to rescue a 2-2 draw against Kalba at the Al Maktoum Stadium during an entertaining opening match of the 2026-27 ADNOC Pro League season. While Kalba appeared firmly in control after netting two goals within the first 20 minutes, Al Nasr shifted the momentum after the interval to ensure the points were shared.
The visitors required only seven minutes to break the deadlock. A well-orchestrated attacking move allowed Carlos Alberto to find space on the right flank, and his precise delivery across the goal found Nemanja Jovic at the far post, who converted from close range to open the scoring.
Kalba’s momentum continued, and they were rewarded again just 13 minutes later. Saman Ghoddos stepped up to take a penalty kick, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to double the visitors’ advantage and leaving Al Nasr facing a significant challenge early in the contest.
Trailing 2-0, Al Nasr emerged from the halftime break with renewed intensity, applying sustained pressure on the Kalba defense. Their persistence finally yielded results in the 64th minute when Abdoulaye Toure timed his run perfectly to meet a cross from Wesley Delgado, directing a header into the net to cut the deficit to a single goal.
The goal transformed the match, providing Al Nasr with the belief needed to push for an equalizer. Their second-half dominance eventually forced a defensive error, resulting in a penalty for the hosts. Chris Bedia stepped forward and maintained his composure from 12 yards, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the score at 2-2.
This recovery turned what initially appeared to be an opening-day defeat into a valuable point for Al Nasr. As the new season commences, clubs are once again focusing on historic benchmarks, particularly the highest points tally achieved by a title-winning team in a single campaign.
The record for the highest points total in a single Pro League season is currently shared by Al Ain and Al Jazira, both of whom reached 68 points during their respective championship runs. Al Jazira set this benchmark in the 2016-17 season, and Al Ain matched it in 2025-26. Reaching 69 points this season would establish a new record for the highest total ever achieved by a champion.
Other notable performances include Al Wasl, who finished with 67 points during their 2023-24 championship season, falling just one point short of the record. Shabab Al Ahli follow with 66 points from their 2015-16 title-winning campaign, while Al Ain also appears on the list with 65 points from their 2021-22 championship season.
Beyond points, the league’s scoring records remain a point of interest for contenders. Al Ain currently holds the record for the most goals scored in a single season, having netted 74 times during the 2012-13 campaign. Shabab Al Ahli came remarkably close to this record in the 2023-24 season, scoring 73 goals to secure the second-highest tally in league history.
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.
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.
Kalba controlled the early stages with two goals inside 20 minutes, but the balance shifted after the break.
Kalba’s clinical opening had put them in a commanding position, but Al Nasr’s second-half response proved decisive as both sides began their ADNOC Pro League campaigns with a point.
The competition’s record books feature several outstanding scoring campaigns, but one figure continues to stand above the rest.
The remarkable tally remains unmatched and reflects the attacking power Al Ain displayed throughout that season.
