Al Nassr delivered a commanding performance on February 7, 2025, securing a 3-0 win against Al Fayha at Al Awwal Park. With Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his first goal since turning 40 and Jhon Duran netting twice, the victory marks significant progress for the team as they climb to third place in the Saudi Pro League standings.
The match kicked off with Al Nassr demonstrating their attacking prowess early on. Jhon Duran, making his debut after transferring from Aston Villa, opened the scoring just 22 minutes in. The Colombian forward capitalized on sloppy defending from Al Fayha, finding the bottom right corner of the net with precision. His goal not only showcased his attacking instincts but also sent ripples of excitement through the home crowd.
By the time the match reached the second half, Duran was far from done. He struck again at the 72nd minute, converting a beautifully placed cross from Sadio Mané, effectively doubling Al Nassr's lead to 2-0. Duran's impressive debut was capped off shortly after, when Ronaldo put the game beyond doubt with his goal just two minutes later. The Portuguese superstar received the ball on the edge of the box and slotted it home perfectly, rejoicing as he celebrated with his signature 'Siuuu' moment, eliciting cheers from both fans and family members present for his milestone.
Despite Al Fayha's struggles this season, the team had their moments where they posed threats, particularly just before the opening goal. Birmingham City's former player Pozuelo managed to create opportunities, yet his efforts were thwarted by good defending and sharper reactions from Al Nassr's goalkeeper Bento. Al Fayha's strikers, including Lopez and Sakala, had flashes of brilliance but were unable to find the net, largely due to Al Nassr's solid defensive organization.
The match had its brief moments of controversy as well. A potential red card for Al Fayha's goalkeeper Mosquera was checked by VAR but was eventually rescinded, adding tension to the final minutes of the game. Referee Nikola Dabanovic had to keep the match in check as the late-game chaos unfolded, but the outcome was never truly in doubt once Al Nassr established their lead.
Al Nassr's victory puts them firmly back on track within the league. With 41 points across 19 matches, they are now five points behind second place Al-Hilal and eight behind league leaders Al-Ittihad. Analysts are buzzing about Duran's impact as he settled seamlessly alongside established stars like Ronaldo and fellow newcomer Mané, significantly strengthening the side's offensive capabilities.
The win signifies more than just three points for Al Nassr; it highlights their return to form and the potential for their title challenge. With performances like these, fans are hopeful about the remnants of the season and what lies beyond for this ambitious squad. With the season's competition heating up, each match becomes more pivotal, and this win certainly sets the foundation for the weeks to come.
Next for Al Nassr will be another challenging fixture as they look to build upon this victory and continue their pursuit of league glory. If Duran can replicate his stunning debut form, along with Ronaldo’s ever-present threat, the opponents will have every reason to be wary.
For Al Fayha, this loss keeps them squarely planted within the relegation zone, raising concerns about their season and what adjustments they must make to stop the rot. It's clear the team has quality but needs consistency and clinical finishing to recover from their poor run of form.