Jhon Duran bailed out Al-Nassr with a brace during a nervy win over Al-Ahli with Stefano Pioli forced to take off a subpar Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Al-Nassr bagged a slender 3-2 win over Al-AhliDuran emerged as the difference-makerRonaldo had an evening to forget away from homeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE
It was rather an unfortunate start for Al-Nassr as Otavio injured his hamstring and had to be taken off within the first 20 minutes. Nonetheless, with Ronaldo, Duran and Sadio Mane on the pitch, the visitors did not lack firepower in attack. They kept piling pressure on Al-Ahli's defence and just after the half-hour mark, the Colombian drew first blood, following a sensational give-and-go with Ayman Yahya to continue his fine goal-scoring form in the Middle East. A couple of minutes from half-time, Ronaldo also came close to doubling the advantage but his effort flew whiskers wide of the far post.
The second half was absolute box-office football! Within two minutes after the break, Al-Ahli thought they had equalised. Immediately after the goal, Mohamed Simakan attempted to elbow Ivan Toney and the referee had no qualms about showing the defender a red card. A lengthy VAR check followed and the goal was overturned for a foul on Simakan but the red card stood and the French Under-21s international was in for an early shower.
The hosts ramped up the pressure in search of their equaliser and despite some gritty defending from Stefano Pioli's men, Toney found the net to send the fans into a frenzy. However, their joy was short-lived as Al-Nassr responded within two minutes through Yahya and their lead was restored. However, it was Duran's second that was the best of the night. The striker received a pass just beyond the halfway line, nutmegged his marker, dribbled past another defender and slotted it past the keeper to open up a two-goal advantage. It was a nervy final few minutes for Pioli as Aumayhan Al-Nabit reduced the margin eight minutes into stoppage time but his effort was too little too late to salvage anything for the hosts.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE MVP
It was the Jhon Duran show at King Abdullah Sports City on Thursday evening! While Ronaldo appeared anonymous, the striker stepped up to the occasion and scored two invaluable goals for Al-Nassr to help them clinch the three points and keep their title ambitions alive.
THE BIG LOSER
A brain fade moment from Simakan saw Al-Nassr reduced to 10-men in the 47th minute. The defender had no business trying to elbow Toney and although he could only brush his shoulder, the intent was clear and the striker made the most of the opportunity by immediately collapsing on the ground. It was simply poor from the senior defender!
WHAT COMES NEXT?
After a thrilling 3-2 victory against Al-Ahli, Ronaldo and Co. will now turn their attention to their AFC Champions League fixture against Persepolis on Monday.
