Match Report
The table gap was wide: 56 points between Al Shorta (2nd, 80 pts) and Al Najaf (19th, 24 pts). The last five rounds placed Al Najaf 9th in the league for form — higher than their 19th in the standings. In league terms the two rates read 1.82/0.84 for Al Shorta and 0.82/1.79 for Al Najaf (scored/conceded per game); the competition average is 1.21.
Al Shorta were unbeaten in 6, having scored in 7 consecutive games. Defeat had followed defeat for Al Najaf — five in succession. Recent form was uneven: 11/15 points for Al Shorta, 0/15 for Al Najaf.
8 meetings are on record — 5 won by Al Shorta, 0 by Al Najaf, 3 drawn, at 1.75 goals per meeting. Historically tight: 25% of the meetings went beyond two goals.
The match was played at Al Shorta Stadium (capacity 4,000). On the scoreboard, Al Shorta led 1-0 at the break; 2 second-half goals set the final 2-1.
Goal scorers
Al Shorta: Leonel Ateba (45'), Leonel Ateba (90') · Al Najaf: Sajad Raad (71')
Key stats
Possession: Al Shorta 58% · Al Najaf 42% · Total shots: 15-2 · On target: 2-1 · Corners: 2-1