Ramy Rabia scored from long range as Al Ain beat Iran’s Tractor 2-1 to maintain their perfect start in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The defender opened the scoring in the 21st minute at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, before Houssine Rahimi’s second-half winner secured a third successive victory and took Al Ain to nine points.

Rabia’s goal took him to two goals and one assist across competitions this season, matching his total goal contributions from the previous campaign.

The former Al Ahly player broke the deadlock with a powerful low shot from outside the penalty area after receiving a pass from Rafael Rodrigues. Al Ain held their one-goal lead until half-time.

Tractor responded ten minutes after the restart through Croatian midfielder Tibor Halilović, whose equaliser brought the visitors back into the contest.

Rahimi restored Al Ain’s advantage in the 70th minute, finishing after a pass from Yahya Ben Khaleq. Rabia played the full match as the hosts protected their lead to complete the win.

The result left Al Ain with their place at the top of the West league-stage standings. Al Ain had beaten Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr 4-0 in their opener before winning 4-1 away to Iraq’s Air Force SC.

The victory also followed consecutive domestic defeats by Shabab Al Ahli, who beat Al Ain 2-0 in the UAE Pro League and 3-2 in the President’s Cup.

Rabia joined Al Ain from Al Ahly on a free transfer in June 2025. He helped the club secure last season’s UAE league title, scoring and assisting in the decisive 5-0 win over Sharjah.