This Monday, March 10, Colombian forward Jhon Jáder Durán delivered a standout performance. He scored twice to lead Al-Nassr to a 3-0 victory over Esteghlal, securing the Saudi club’s spot in the AFC Champions League quarterfinals.
Durán’s Brilliant Performance
Durán wasted no time making an impact. In the 9th minute, Esteghlal’s goalkeeper mishandled the ball. Immediately, the former Aston Villa player took advantage and chipped it over him, giving Al-Nassr an early 1-0 lead.
As the match progressed, Al-Nassr continued to dominate. Then, in the 84th minute, Durán struck again. After finding space inside the box, he fired a precise right-footed shot into the bottom corner. He sealed the 3-0 victory to ensure his team’s progression.
Cristiano Ronaldo Joins the Scoresheet
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo also made his mark. In the 27th minute, he scored a penalty with confidence. The chance came when Sadio Mané was fouled inside the box. Ronaldo stepped up and doubled Al-Nassr’s lead.
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Esteghlal’s troubles grew before halftime. Mehran Ahmadi received a second yellow card for hitting Mohammed Al-Fatil in the face. Esteghlal played the entire second half with ten men. Al-Nassr controlled the game from that point forward.
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Al-Nassr’s Next Challenge: Al Sadd
Al-Nassr will now face Qatari side Al Sadd in the quarterfinals. Al Sadd earned their spot with a 3-1 win over UAE’s Al-Wasl. Their three first-half goals overturned an early strike from Al-Wasl’s Fabio Lima.
Al-Nassr Looks Strong
This dominant performance sends a strong message. Led by Durán and Ronaldo, Al-Nassr looks ready for the next challenge. The quarterfinals will take place in Jeddah from April 25 to May 3. Stefano Pioli’s squad aims to keep winning and chase the AFC Champions League title.
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