Al-Nassr's newest signing Jhon Duran has arrived and in fine fashion, as the Colombian scored twice to lead his new side to a 3-0 win over Al-Feiha.
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Al-Nassr win 3-0 over Al-FeihaJhon Duran scores twice on debutRonaldo scores first as a 40-year-oldFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
Al-Nassr made a statement winter signing as the Saudi Pro League side signed striker Jhon Duran from Aston Villa for a reported fee of €77 million (£64m/$79m). The Colombian striker made his debut against relegation battlers Al-Feiha at Al-Awwal Park and showed exactly why he has been signed.
Duran started in a two-striker partnership alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who celebrated his 40th birthday on the eve of the clash. After a strong start from the hosts, Al-Feiha looked to gain some momentum before Sadio Mane wrestled the ball away from a midfielder and found Duran in a crowded space. However, the Colombian's quick feet managed to open up some space in front of him before he lashed a shot past Orlando Mosquera to open his account for the nine-time Saudi Pro League champions. Stefano Pioli's men took a 1-0 lead in at half-time as they looked to pass Al-Qadsiah in the standings.
The host seemed to not be on their best show as Al-Feiha threatened to equalise multiple times, however, Mane found Duran yet again in the 72nd minute as Al-Nassr found space on the counter before the Colombian bobbled the ball past Mosquera and into the back of the net to double the hosts lead. Ronaldo then managed to grab his 16th league goal of the season after right-back Nawaf Boushal found the captain with a cutback in open space in the box.
Al-Nassr secured their three points and leapt over Al-Qadsiah into third place in the Saudi Pro League standings, eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad.
AdvertisementGettyTHE MVP
Duran's move to Al-Nassr had raised a lot of questions from fans in England over the Colombian's commitment as the 21-year-old may be set to spend the early peak of his career outside of Europe. However, the striker has not let the doubt weigh over his mind and has shown his absolute quality with a brace on his debut with his new side.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
Angelo has been one of the key performers for Pioli this season as the Brazilian operated in an advanced attacking midfielder role before today. However, with the Italian shifting to a 4-4-2 system to incorporate both Ronaldo and Duran together, Angelo was shifted to a right-wing role and failed to show his usual class on the field, which could hint at his struggles in Pioli's new system.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Al-Nassr will return to action when they take on fellow Asian Champions League aspirants Al-Ahli on Thursday, February 13 as they look to open up some gap between themselves and the competition.
