Dubai United Hold Shabab Al Ahli as Pirlo Praises Team’s Character and Collective Performance

Dubai United earned an important point following a 1-1 draw against Shabab Al Ahli at Al Maktoum Stadium in the UAE Pro League, producing a disciplined and determined performance against one of the competition’s leading sides.

Shabab Al Ahli enjoyed the stronger attacking momentum during periods of the first half and looked to apply pressure from the opening stages. However, Dubai United remained organised defensively and limited the visitors’ opportunities as the teams headed into half-time goalless.

Dubai United emerged with greater attacking purpose after the break and took the lead in the 58th minute following a well-worked move. Shavy Babicka collected the ball on the right before finding Alemhdi Maouhoub inside the penalty area, with the forward producing a composed finish to put the hosts ahead.

Shabab Al Ahli increased the pressure in response and eventually found the equaliser in the 74th minute, when Saeid Ezatolahi converted from the penalty spot.

Dubai United pushed to regain the lead during the closing stages and threatened the visitors on several occasions, but neither side was able to find a winner as the points were shared at Al Maktoum Stadium.

The result takes Dubai United to seven points and seventh place in the league standings.

Speaking after the match, head coach Andrea Pirlo praised his players’ performance and highlighted the tactical adjustments in United’s pressing structure as an important factor in dealing with Shabab Al Ahli’s pace and attacking threat.

“We played a good game. We changed our pressure and started using the two wingers to press their two centre-backs and close the passing lines through the middle,” Pirlo said.

“We knew they had very fast players, so it was important to put them under pressure and not allow them to have the ball freely or attack the space. We also had good opportunities in the second half and could have scored more, so in the end I think it was a good and very important point.”

Pirlo was particularly pleased with his side’s collective defensive effort, stressing that the improved organisation was the result of the entire team working together.

“We worked a lot because we know that when you concede goals, it becomes difficult to win games. It is important to have good balance,” he explained. “All the players did a good job, not only the defenders, because we defend and attack as a team.”

The Italian coach also rejected the suggestion that Dubai United had adopted an overly defensive approach against Shabab Al Ahli, insisting that his philosophy remains centred around proactive football.

“We don’t play catenaccio. We score a lot of goals, so our mentality is to play football, not just to defend. If you only defend, you have more possibilities to lose the game. It is important to have a different mentality,” Pirlo said.

He also emphasised the importance of personality and confidence when competing against the league’s strongest teams.

“At half-time, I told my players that I wanted players with personality. In these games, we need personality; otherwise, we don’t have a chance. It is important to have this mentality because if we want to improve, we need to continue in the right way.”

Pirlo concluded by underlining that Dubai United’s focus remains on progressing game by game, playing positive football and continuing the development of the team as the season moves forward.