Saudi Pro League 2024-25: Duran's brace powers 10-man Al Nassr ...

Jhon Duran powered 10-man Al Nassr to a famous 3-2 away victory against Al Ahli in a Saudi Pro League fixture at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Friday (IST). 

Al Ahli vs AL Nassr Highlights

Al Nassr began the match with intent, putting pressure on the Al Ahli defence from the outset. However, it was Al Ahli’s Riyad Mahrez who initially sent shivers down the spines of the visiting fans, seemingly scoring in the fifth minute. The joy was short-lived, though, as the goal was ruled offside.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 31st minute by Al Nassr’s Duran. A beautifully executed one-two between the Colombian striker and Sadio Mane culminated in a precise finish from the edge of the box, nestling the ball into the bottom left corner.

The second half began with a flurry of action. Al Ahli came out strong, and Ali Majrashi quickly levelled the score. The drama intensified when Mohamed Simakan was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Ivan Toney. A lengthy VAR review ensued, and while the red card decision stood, the goal was disallowed.

The referee, after asked to watch the replay by VAR, determined that Toney had pulled a defender’s jersey in the lead-up to the disallowed goal.

The home side continued to press, and in the 78th minute, Toney finally found the back of the net, heading home a cross from Gabri Veiga. This marked The Englishman’s tenth league goal of the season.

Undeterred by playing with a numerical disadvantage, Al Nassr responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, substitute Ayman Yahya capitalised on an opportunity to put his team back in the lead with a clinical finish.

Duran then sealed the deal for the Knights of Najd in the 88th minute with a moment of individual brilliance. A superb interception by Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic set Duran off on a run from inside his own half. He skillfully evaded two defenders before calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.

Despite a valiant effort from Al Ahli, and a late goal from Sumayhan Al-Nabit in the seventh minute of stoppage time, Al Nassr held on to secure a memorable victory. 

With this win, Stefano Pioli’s men wins their fifth league match in a row and keeps their title chase on track.