Al Ahli boss Cosmin Olaroiu has sought to take the sting out of Thursday’s Arabian Gulf League showdown against holders Al Ain.

The destiny of the 2015/16 crown should be decided at Rashid Stadium when the first-placed Red Knights host the Boss, who are three points behind after drawing 1-1 with Al Nasr during Sunday’s double-header.

Ahli did their part last night with a 2-1 triumph at Al Jazira. But Olaroiu rejected thoughts the imminent clash would be pivotal.

He said: “We still have a long way to go after the game against Al Ain. We are happy to return with full points ahead of an important match coming up (against Al Ain).”

A miserable week continued for the Pride of Abu Dhabi.

Confirmation they couldn’t progress into the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League was followed by their outclassing by the weekend visitors to Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.

Not even a second half played with 10-men apiece could disrupt Ahli’s control.

“It was the boys against the men on the night,” bemoaned Jazira boss Henk ten Cate. “We missed too many players to give them a good competition.”