Al-Nassr clinched a thrilling victory against Al-Ahli, winning the match 3-2, thanks to the impressive performance of Colombian striker Jhon Jader Durán, who scored two pivotal goals. The showdown took place on February 13, 2025, at the captivating King Abdullah Stadium located in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.
The match, part of the Saudi Pro League's twentieth round, began with much anticipation. Jhon Durán opened the scoring at the 32nd minute, showcasing his stellar skill. After receiving an assist from teammate Ayman Yahya, he executed a quick turn before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, finding the base of the left post. This goal set the tone for the game, much to the delight of Al-Nassr's fans.
Al-Ahli responded fiercely, equalizing through Ivan Toney, who scored shortly after Durán’s opener. Not to be outdone, Ayman Yahya soon fired Al-Nassr back in front, marking his spot on the score sheet.
The intensity ramped up as the game approached its end. With only two minutes left on the clock, Durán sealed his stellar performance with another goal. After receiving the ball at midfield on the right side, he skillfully maneuvered past multiple defenders with enviable footwork, showcasing his agility and finesse. One final touch found him face to face with the goalkeeper, where he calmly directed the ball past for his second goal. The crowd erupted as his teammates celebrated the stunning strike, which highlighted the Colombian’s burgeoning talents on the pitch.
Despite Al-Nassr's two-goal lead, Al-Ahli wasn’t finished yet. During stoppage time, Sumayhan Alnabit managed to net one back for his side, bringing the score to 3-2 — a final flourish for the match. Yet, the late-game excitement wasn’t enough to deter Al-Nassr from securing all three points.
This win propelled Al-Nassr to third place in the league standings, accumulating 44 points and keeping their hopes alive for the Saudi Pro League title. The team, bolstered by the star presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, is evidently determined. Ronaldo himself expressed the team's ambitions post-match, stating, "We are determined to win the league this year." The forward's passion for the game remains contagious, inspiring teammates to perform at their best.
Under the guidance of new head coach Luis Castro, who aims to transform the squad, the players are rallying around shared goals. Castro remarked, "This was another important win for us," emphasizing the significance of each match as they aim for championship glory. The club has left no stone unturned, aiming to bring even more talent to the squad as they chase titles.
Durán's performance not only attests to his skill but also hints at rising prospects with the Colombian national team, particularly as World Cup qualifiers loom. Following the match, expectations build around whether his stellar form could earn him a call-up to the national side for the March qualifiers. Fans are eager to see him shine under the guidance of coach Néstor Lorenzo.
The future looks bright for Al-Nassr as they continue to build momentum. The synergy of Ronaldo's veteran leadership alongside the youthful exuberance of Durán positions the club for potential triumphs not only this season but also beyond. With the Saudi Pro League title within reach, Al-Nassr’s faithful supporters are hopeful for more exhilarating performances like the one showcased against Al-Ahli.