Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain: Marcus Berg was the star with four goals as Al Ain celebrated lifting the 2017-18 UAE Pro League title in style with a 5-0 win over Al Dhafra at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Sunday.
Al Ain were presented with the trophy by Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, Chairman of the United Arab Emirates' General Authority for Sports, after the match and they ensured the lift was amidst great joy after their five-star performance against Al Dhafra.
Berg, who has enjoyed a spectacular season, scored his team's first in the 25th minute, when he was perfectly placed to convert Ahmed Barman’s cross from the left.
The second would prove to be a long wait but when it came, Berg was the creator as he crossed the ball for Ibrahim Diaky to slot home in the 67th minute.
It was the Berg show after that, as he scored his second of the night in the 70th from close range and he sealed his hat-trick six minutes later from the penalty spot.
The Swede wasn't finished though as he scored his fourth of the night and 25th of the season in the 87th minute, finishing off a cross from Hussein El Shahat from the right.
Al Ain were runaway winners, finishing their season on 53 points while there was relief for Al Dahfra - despite the defeat - as their place in the UAE Pro League was secured after relegation rivals Emirates could only manage a 2-2 draw against Al Nasr.