Al Ain FC became the first champions to complete the UAE Pro League season unbeaten in 50 years after defeating visitors Dibba Al-Hisn 3-0 in the closing 26th round, a result that confirmed Dibba’s relegation to the second division alongside Al Bataeh Club.

Al Ain FC had already secured their 15th league title by the 24th round, but maintained the same intensity in their final two matches as they sought to become only the second team to win the title unbeaten after Shabab Al Ahli in the 1975-76 season.

Shabab Al Ahli achieved that feat in the league’s third edition 50 years ago, when the competition featured nine teams with each side playing 16 matches, while Al Ain FC became the first champions to go unbeaten in a 14-team league played over 26 rounds.

Their Serbian coach, Vladimir Ivić, said: “We feel great to achieve numbers that no other team could,” adding, “We will celebrate briefly before beginning preparations for the cup final with the ambition of securing the double,” as Al Ain FC prepare to face Al Jazira Club on the 22nd of this month.

Dibba Al-Hisn were relegated to the second division after just one season in the top flight, finishing bottom of the table in 14th place with 20 points.

Al Bataeh Club were also relegated after drawing 1-1 with runners-up Shabab Al Ahli, with Brazilian Adelson Alberto scoring in the 76th minute after Iranian Ezzatollah Pourghaz had opened the scoring in the 72nd.

Al Bataeh Club also squandered a penalty, as Brazilian Antonio Neto saw his effort saved by Rakan Waleed, the goalkeeper of Shabab Al Ahli, in the 45th minute.

Al Bataeh Club remained in 13th place with 21 points, one point behind Al Dhafra FC, who secured their top-flight status for a second consecutive season with a late win over guests Al Wahda FC thanks to an 82nd-minute goal from Moroccan Karim El Berkaoui.

Al Jazira Club defeated their guests Bani Yas Club 4-1, with goals from Bruno Oliveira (6), Congolese Simon Banza (27, 47), and Brazilian Vinicius Mello (36), while Ghanaian Jacob Otte scored the visitors’ only goal in the 12th minute.

Al Jazira Club raised their tally to 44 points in fifth place, while Bani Yas Club remained 10th with 27 points.