Successful Lazaro debut at new club

Valentino Lazaro has celebrated his debut for Al-Ain.

The 30-year-old Austrian international started in the season opener for the reigning champions of the United Arab Emirates against Baniyas SC. However, Lazaro's game ended after 59 minutes in the visitors' 4-2 away win.

At that point, Al-Ain was still trailing 1-2.

Lazaro experiences turbulent debut

Lazaro moved to the United Arab Emirates in the summer after his contract with FC Torino was not extended following four seasons with the Italian club.

However, his debut initially did not go as hoped. Baniyas took a lead into the final phase and could hope for a successful start to the season for a long time.

Al-Ain turns game late

Al-Ain only managed to equalize in the 82nd minute. Houssine Rahimi scored to make it 2-2, ushering in a furious final phase.

Rahimi ultimately became the match-winner: In the seventh minute of injury time, the substitute completed his brace, putting the reigning champions ahead for the first time that evening.

But the match was not over yet. In the 90th+10 minute, Alejandro Romero sealed the deal, securing the 4-2 final score.

Al-Ain thus avoided a false start to the 2026/27 season, despite trailing at one point. Former Wolfsberg player Adis Jasic remained on the bench for the visitors for 90 minutes.