Muharraq Secure Back-to-Back League Titles

Muharraq’s open-top bus parade across the Kingdom

Muharraq were crowned champions of the 2025–26 Nasser bin Hamad Premier League (NPL) after a 1–0 victory over A’ali at Bahrain National Stadium yesterday, sealing a record-extending 35th top-flight title on the final day of the season.

The “Red Wolves” clinched the championship by a single point over Al Khaldiya, bringing a closely contested title race to a close. Soufiane Mahrouk scored the only goal early in the second half, securing both the league crown and a domestic double after Muharraq had already lifted the King’s Cup in April.

Heading into the final round, Muharraq held a one-point advantage over Al Khaldiya following their 2–1 head-to-head victory the previous week. Knowing that a win would guarantee the title regardless of other results, Fernando Santos’ side arrived with everything on the line, and delivered under pressure.

A’ali, however, made the champions work for it. Vinicius Soares’ team began brightly and nearly struck first when Mohammed Al Alawi rattled the post after a well-worked move, with Muharraq goalkeeper Vladan Dekic beaten. At the other end, Muharraq’s best first-half opportunity came in the 39th minute when Bruno Santos broke in behind the defence but fired across goal with the chance slipping away.

Portuguese coach Fernando Manuel de Jesus raises the trophy in celebration

The match remained goalless at the break, with tension rising as news filtered through that Al Khaldiya were leading in their own fixture, briefly shifting the live standings and increasing the pressure on Muharraq.

The breakthrough arrived in the 50th minute. Arthur Rezende threaded a pass into Mahrouk inside the box, and the Moroccan forward powered a near-post finish beyond the goalkeeper, triggering jubilant celebrations among the Muharraq supporters.

A’ali responded with sustained pressure in search of an equaliser, creating several nervy moments in the final stages, but Muharraq held firm to protect their lead and confirm the title.

Elsewhere, Al Khaldiya did all they could with a 3–1 victory over Al Najma at Khalifa Sports City Stadium, but their efforts ultimately fell just short.

They made a flying start, with Joel Beya heading home in the fifth minute from an Adem Taous cross. Sayed Mehdi Sharaf later went close with a header brilliantly saved before halftime, as Lassad Al Chabbi’s side went into the break 1–0 up and, for a brief moment, topped the live table.

After the restart, Moroccan winger Saifeddine Bouhra doubled the advantage with a composed finish following a flowing team move involving Sharaf. Al Najma pulled one back in the 81st minute through Zachary Al Hadji, but Al Khaldiya sealed the win deep into stoppage time when Mohammed Al Romaihi smashed in a strike into the top corner after an Ismail Abdulatif cross. A VAR review confirmed the goal after an initial offside decision.

Match-winner Mahrouk points to the Muharraq crest

Despite their victory, Al Khaldiya’s title hopes had effectively been decided by their earlier defeat to Muharraq.

At the other end of the table, Sitra secured their top-flight status with a crucial 1–0 win over Al Malkiya at Ahli Stadium. Ali Al Asfoor headed home in the 10th minute from a Bekaye Wade cross to settle the contest.

Al Malkiya were left to rue a missed late penalty, firing over in stoppage time, a result that confirmed Al Najma’s place in the relegation play-offs alongside Budaiya. Bahrain Club and Al Shabab have already been relegated automatically.

The play-offs will now decide whether Al Najma or Budaiya retain their NPL status, as they face First Division challengers Al Ittihad and Manama in the final stage of the season.

Final Standings