A file photo of players challenging for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, May 10: The curtain falls tonight on the 63rd edition of the Zain Premier League, with Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium set to host the highly anticipated title-deciding clash between Kuwait Club and Al-Arabi at 8:20 pm in the final round of the championship group.

Earlier in the evening, Qadsia will face Al-Fahaheel at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium, and Salmiya will take on Al-Tadamon at Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium. Both matches kick off at 5:40 pm. While Qadsia has already secured third place with 38 points, Salmiya (33 points) and Al-Fahaheel (32 points) are in contention for fourth place—a position that guarantees a spot in the Super Cup and possibly a berth in a foreign tournament. Al-Tadamon sits at the bottom with 20 points.

At the top of the table, Kuwait Club leads with 57 points, just ahead of Al-Arabi on 55 points. A draw or win will secure Kuwait Club’s 20th league title and fourth consecutive championship. Meanwhile, Al-Arabi must win to clinch its 18th title—and only its second in the last 24 years, the last coming in the 2020–2021 season.

This will be the third meeting between the two sides this season. Kuwait Club won the first leg 2-0, while the second ended in a goalless draw. The two sides will face off again next week in the Crown Prince Cup final.

Kuwait Club enters the match with the league’s most potent attack (65 goals) and strongest defense (14 goals conceded). Al-Arabi ranks second in both categories, with 44 goals scored and just 15 conceded.

In the league, Kazma and Al-Nasr secured their Premier League status through the relegation round, while Yarmouk and Khaitan were relegated to the First Division, known as the "Oppressors League."

Renowned Mexican referee César Ramos, an international official since 2014, will oversee tonight’s decisive encounter. Ramos, born December 5, 1983, has officiated in the CONCACAF Champions League, the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, and notably the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup final between Real Madrid and Grêmio.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff