Saudi Pro League: Durán’s Brace Powers 10-Man Al Nassr to Victory at Al Ahli

Saudi Pro League: Durán’s Brace Powers 10-Man Al Nassr to Victory at Al Ahli

Jhon Durán rescued 10-man Al Nassr with a brace during a nervy win over Al Ahli in a Saudi Pro League fixture at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Friday (IST).

Al Nassr started the game with intent, putting pressure on the Al Ahli defence from the outset. However, it was Riyad Mahrez who nearly gave the hosts the lead in the fifth minute, sending a wave of excitement through the home fans. The celebration was short-lived, though, as the goal was ruled out for offside.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 31st minute by Al Nassr’s Duran. A beautifully executed one-two between the Colombian striker and Sadio Mane culminated in a precise finish from the edge of the box, nestling the ball into the bottom left corner.

The second half began with a flurry of action. Al Ahli came out strong, and Ali Majrashi quickly levelled the score. The drama intensified when Mohamed Simakan was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Ivan Toney. A lengthy VAR review ensued, and while the red card decision stood, the goal was disallowed.

The referee, after asked to watch the replay by VAR, determined that Toney had pulled a defender’s jersey in the lead-up to the disallowed goal.

The home side Ivan Toney equalized for Al Ahli shortly after Durán’s teammate, Mohamed Simakan, was sent off for a foul. However, just two minutes later, Ayman Yahya restored Al Nassr’s lead, driving them closer to victory.

In a dramatic finale, Durán re-emerged as the star of the show, sprinting past two defenders and slotting the ball past the advancing keeper just two minutes before the final whistle. It was a stunning goal that undoubtedly placed Durán among the highlights of the week in Saudi football. With this double, he celebrated both the win and his blossoming form.

Durán has been in red-hot form, scoring four goals in just three matches, including a brace in Al Nassr’s 2-0 home win over Al Feiha on February 7.

With this victory, Stefano Pioli’s side extended their winning streak to five league matches, keeping their title hopes alive. After a thrilling 3-2 win over Al Ahli, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. will now shift their focus to their AFC Champions League fixture against Persepolis on Monday.