Al-Nassr's push for the Saudi Pro League title continues to gather momentum as the club secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Al-Feiha. The match took place on February 10, 2025, and saw new signing Jhon Duran shine on his debut, scoring twice. The Colombian striker, who joined from Aston Villa for €77 million (£64m), exhibited impressive skill, partnering with veteran superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who also marked his 40th birthday by netting his 16th goal of the league season.
Duran opened the scoring just before halftime, slotting home after receiving the ball from Sadio Mané, who helped create space for him amid heavy defensive pressure. The striker doubled Al-Nassr's advantage shortly after the second half began, effectively confirming the club’s dominance. Despite some promising moments from Al-Feiha, Duran's performance was enough to quell any hopes of a comeback. Ronaldo then added to Al-Nassr’s tally, bringing the total to three with his customary poise to finish chances.
The win propelled Al-Nassr to third place on the league table, now just eight points behind the leaders, Al-Ittihad. This victory serves as a morale booster, especially as they aim to secure qualification for next season's Asian Champions League. Al-Nassr will next face Al-Ahli on February 13, where they will look to maintain their recent form.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo's pursuit of the elusive Saudi Pro League title has gained renewed vigor. After experiencing some setbacks, including losing to Al-Ettifaq at home, the Portuguese star is eager to reclaim the momentum. Despite Jhon Duran facing suspension for the upcoming match against Al Wehda due to red card infraction, Ronaldo, who has 11 goals to his name for the current season, is expected to lead the line. Al Wehda currently languishes at the bottom of the table, making for what many expect to be a lopsided contest.
The standings reflect tight competition among the top teams, with Al-Ittihad continuing to lead the pack. Their current form puts them at the forefront of the title race as others such as Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah also make their case. Al-Ahli is currently ranked fifth and have shown resilience this season, yet their defensive capabilities, currently leading the league with only 18 goals conceded, might be put to the test against higher-ranked teams.
This season has also witnessed remarkable performances from several players beyond Ronaldo and Duran. The spotlight shines on Al-Qadsiah this matchday as they prepare to face Al-Ahli on February 25, 2025. Both teams enter the match with strong ambitions, driven by contrasting success records—Al-Qadsiah having won 15 out of their 21 matches, whereas Al-Ahli has recorded 13 wins.
Match predictions and player form suggest Al-Ahli might edge this clash, buoyed by their solid defense and disciplined style of play nurtured under their German coach Matthias Jaissle. Their defensive coordination has become their hallmark, making them difficult to breach, especially when faced with top caliber leagues rival Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr who both remain vulnerable at the back.
Fans eagerly anticipate the culmination of the league, with Al-Nassr’s next encounter set to potentially shape the race depending on results from surrounding matches. The excitement surrounding this season continues to mount as each game can lead to significant shifts within the league standings, especially with teams vying for top positions.
With Ronaldo’s full experience and Duran’s burgeoning talent, Al-Nassr looks set to be competitive, pushing their opponents hard as they strive for glory on the field. The Saudi Pro League has proven unpredictable with twists and turns, promising thrilling encounters as the season progresses.