New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Al Fayha in their Saudi Pro League 2024-25 clash at Al-Awwal Park on Friday, with Colombian forward Jhon Duran stealing the show on his league debut. The 21-year-old, who recently joined from Aston Villa for a reported €77 million, marked his first domestic appearance in style with a well-taken brace. The Colombian, who had been in great form in the Premier League before heading to the Middle East, got off the mark quickly in his tenure.
Duran opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a mistake from the opposition’s defense. Sloppy play from the visitors in the defensive third gifted possession to Al-Nassr, and the Colombian wasted no time in making his mark. Using former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling as a shield, he curled a precise shot into the bottom-right corner, leaving goalkeeper Orland Mosquera helpless. A well taken strike from the forward gave his side the lead midway through the first half.
⌛️ || Full time,@AlNassrFC 3:0 #AlFayha pic.twitter.com/E5HN1VsfQn
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) February 7, 2025
The scoreline remained the same at half-time before Duran notched up his second goal of the night, midway through the second half. His second goal came in the 72nd minute, this time showcasing his poacher’s instinct. Sadio Mane delivered a perfectly placed cross across the face of the goal, and Duran, making a well-timed run, got on the end of it with a delicate chip over the onrushing Mosquera. It was a confident finish that highlighted the young forward’s composure and technical ability inside the box.
Cristiano Ronaldo, fresh off celebrating his 40th birthday, quickly joined in on the act just minutes later as he scored his first goal of his 40s in amazing fashion to cap off an impressive night for the home side. The Portuguese legend connected perfectly with a Nawaf Boushal cross from the right flank, and sent a bullet strike into the bottom-left corner. It was a trademark finish from the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. The win lifted Al-Nassr to third place in the standings, level on points with Al-Qadisiyah but ahead on goal difference.
Late VAR Drama as Al-Fayha Struggles Continue
The visitors endured a frustrating evening, managing only a handful of attempts on target as they struggled to break through Al-Nassr’s well-organized defense. Their misery was nearly compounded in stoppage time when goalkeeper Orland Mosquera was shown a red card for handling the ball outside the box. However, a VAR review overturned the decision, confirming that the save had been made just inside the area.
Despite the late drama, the result was never in doubt. With this commanding win, Al-Nassr reaffirmed their title ambitions, while Al Feiha’s struggles at the bottom of the table continue. Duran’s stellar debut has undoubtedly added another attacking weapon to Al-Nassr’s already formidable frontline, and the young Colombian will look to build on his dream start in the coming weeks.
While the hosts sit pretty in third but are still firmly behind both Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal in the title race, both of whom sit ahead of them in the table. Leaders Al-Ittihad hold an eight point lead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, whereas Al Hilal have a five point lead with a game in hand. Al Fayha, on the other hand, are firmly embroiled in a relegation battle on the other end of the table as they sit 14th in the league, just two points above the relegation zone.
Former Aston Villa sensation Jhon Duran got off the mark for his new side on his league debut as Cristiano Ronaldo continued his scoring run in Al Nassr’s comfortable 3-0 win over Al-Fayha. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
