FOOTBALL – Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored one goal, and Colombian Jhon Duran, who netted a brace, led Al Nassr to a commanding 3-0 victory over Al Fayha last night, keeping their Saudi Pro League title hopes alive.
Duran opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, reacting quickly to a loose ball and slotting it home.
Despite some missed chances from Sadio Mane and Ronaldo, Al Nassr kept pushing and got their reward in the 72nd minute when Mane’s cross found Duran, who flicked it over the keeper.
Two minutes later, Ronaldo smashed in a first-time shot to wrap things up.
Al Fayha’s keeper Orlando Mosquera was briefly sent off in stoppage time, but VAR overturned the decision.
The win means that Al Nassr are in third place, five points behind Al Hilal in second and eight behind leaders Al Ittihad.
“It was a good match and we played well against a solid opponent who did not make it easy for us,” said Al Nassr’s coach Stefano Pioli. “We were patient and, at the end, we got what we wanted.”
Earlier, Al Ahli beat Al Fateh 2-0 with both goals coming from England striker Ivan Toney from the penalty spot.
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