Al Nassr has secured their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League, defeating Esteghlal 3-0 at Al-Awwal Park on March 10, 2025. The Saudi Arabian team showcased their dominance early on, with Jhon Durán scoring the opening goal just 9 minutes after the kick-off. Durán capitalized on a goalkeeping error, deftly chipping the ball past the Esteghlal keeper, Seyed Hossein Hosseini.
Adding to Esteghlal's woes, Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot before halftime, extending Al Nassr's lead and allowing them to control the match comfortably. This penalty came about after Sadio Mané was fouled inside the area, setting up Ronaldo for the strike. The Portuguese star, who remains the top scorer of the Saudi Pro League with 18 goals, was eager to showcase his skills on the international stage following his absence from the first leg due to security concerns.
But Durán wasn’t done yet. He capped off the game with another goal late in the second half, completing his brace and sealing the match at 3-0. This victory was especially sweet for Al Nassr as they came off two disappointingly drawn matches leading up to this fixture. Having drawn 0-0 against Esteghlal during the first leg, along with another underwhelming performance against Al Shabab, this emphatic win reestablished their confidence and momentum heading forward.
Despite the scoreline, the first half was not without incident. Mehran Ahmadi of Esteghlal received a red card just before the break for elbowing Al Fati, reducing the visitors to ten men and making their task significantly harder. Al Nassr seized this numerical advantage quickly, maintaining pressure through the duration of the match.
Throughout the match, Al Nassr demonstrated their attacking prowess. Not only did they put three goals on the board, but they created numerous high-quality chances. A shot from Jhon Durán struck the post, and another close-range header from Al Fatil grazed wide. Cristiano also had his fair share of opportunities but failed to add to his tally on this occasion, missing several chances, including one clear opportunity where he shot wide when one-on-one with Hosseini.
The tension was palpable on the pitch and among the fans, especially with Esteghlal fighting against the tide after the red card. Al Nassr remained vigilant, carefully managing their efforts to avoid any slip-ups. Their disciplined performance was noted, not only for their goals but also for the organized defense which saw little action from goalkeeper Beto.
Al Nassr has faced challenges recently, as both their local and international campaigns had begun to lose steam. This triumph not only erases doubts about their capabilities but also puts them on track for another title—now with their eyes on the AFC Champions League trophy, having firmly established themselves as contenders.
Reflecting on the victory, Durán expressed joy for his performance, stating, "To score for Al Nassr and help the team advance means everything to me." Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s influence on the match and his continued ability to perform under pressure remained clear, as evidenced by his strategic play throughout the conflict. His leadership on the pitch was undeniably significant.
The win sets the stage for Al Nassr as they look toward the next round, where they will await the draw scheduled for March 14, 2025. The team has rebuilt momentum at just the right time and will be eager to carry this form through the remainder of the tournament.
Overall, the match was more than just another win; it showcased Al Nassr’s resolve and skill when it matters. With players like Durán finding form and Ronaldo continuing to lead from the front, the skies seem bright for the Knights of Najd. The exciting times around Al Nassr are just beginning, and fans are hopeful for what’s coming next.