Jhon Duran sees red! Saudi Pro League star sent off while Cristiano Ronaldo fails to score again as former Premier League midfielder haunts Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr were stunned by a second half comeback from Al-Ettifaq, losing 3-2 in the Saudi Pro League, hugely denting any lingering title hopes.
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Al-Nassr spent most of the first half camped inside Al-Ettifaq territory, but were unable to make that dominance count – Cristiano Ronaldo went closest, forcing a handful of good saves out of Marek Rodak. It was 0-0 at the interval, but Al-Ettifaq had been so close to breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, hitting the post and Bento making a double save one after the other in stoppage time.
There was a huge slice of luck about Ayman Yahya’s breakthrough less than two minutes after the restart, the ball cannoning off the Al-Nassr winger’s head as Al-Ettifaq tried to clear Sadio Mane’s cross. A VAR check allowed a Georginio Wijnaldum equaliser to stand after an offside flag had initially ruled it out, with Yahya then seeing an immediate response chalked out at the other end.
Al-Nassr looked good for the win when Mohammed Al-Fatil scored a free header to restore the lead, only for the centre-back to then turn the ball into his own net in the closing stages. It still went from bad to worse for Ronaldo & Co. after that, with Wijnaldum grabbing an 89th-minute winner on the counter attack and Jhon Duran sent off for a petty swipe at an opponent in stoppage time.
Georginio Wijnaldum rolled back the years in this one. The former Liverpool midfielder is 34 now, but he scored two very good goals here, breaking forward from midfield to round Bento for the first and keeping up with the play to finish off a swift break for the decisive second.
Mohammed Al-Fatil had a rollercoaster night, but ultimately a very bad one. He was the player at fault when Al-Ettifaq equalised the first time, miscontrolling a simple ball that squeezed under his foot and made its way through to Wijnaldum. He made amends by putting Al-Nassr back in front, but the own goal brought Al-Ettifaq level for the second time and irreversibly swung the momentum against his team.
If Al-Nassr are to have any chance of staying in the title race, they desperately need a favour from Al-Hilal on Saturday night. The champions, currently second, are up against leaders Al-Ittihad, who have a healthy lead at the top of the table. Victory for them in that game would certainly end Al-Nassr’s hopes of catching up, already eight points off the pace, and probably be close to a deathly blow to Al-Hilal as well.
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Al Nassr vs Al Ettifaq Highlights, Saudi Pro League 2024-25: NAS 2-3 ETT; Wijnaldum double ends Nassr’s winning streak, Duran sees red
Updated : Feb 22, 2025 00:58 IST
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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – FEBRUARY 03: Angelo Gabriel, Jhon Duran and Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr look on as they warm up ahead of the AFC Champions League Elite match between Al-Nassr and Al Wasl at King Saud University Stadium on February 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images) | Photo Credit: Abdullah Ahmed
Welcome to Sportstar’s highlights of Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq Saudi Pro League 2024-25 match to be played at the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Georginio Wijnaldum power Al Ettifaq to a famous 3-2 away victory over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in a Saudi Pro League 2024-24 match Al Awal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday (IST)
The referee blows the final whistle in the 103rd minute and AL Nassr’s five game winning streak comes to an end.
Angelo nearly scores the equaliser for AL Nassr but his shot goes agonisingly wide of the target.
With a man down, Al Nassr looks clueless but is still searching for the equaliser.
Jhon Duran is sent off for an off the ball incident. He slaps the back of the head of Almalki. What a strange and naïve error from the AL Nassr striker.
There seems to be a suggestion that ab AL Nassr player has been sent off for but it is not clear who.
11 minutes added on after the end of regulation time.
Georginio Wijnaldum pulls off a woudergoal for Al Wttifaq. The Dutch midfielder curls it from outside of the box. He has surely won it for the visiting side.
Another good save from Bento. Ettifaq is knocking on Nassr goal.
Bento makes a sharp save to deny Karl Toko Ekambi.
What a crazy night it is for Al Fatil. Now his scores an unfortunate own goal.
AL Nassr is trying to slow the tempo of the game as we enter the final 10 minutes of the contest. However, Ettifaq players are showing intent in their press.
Brozovic finds Ronaldo inside the box with a clever pass and there is a coming together between Ronaldo and Rodak.
Costa fould Nawaf and Al Nassr gets a free kick.
Costa earns Ettifaq a corner.
Redemption for Al Fatil. The defender whose mistake gifted Ettifaq the equaliser, rises the highest from the set piece and heads home. Rodak misjudges the ball. Al Nassr leads.
Ronaldo’s effort from range is pushed out by diving Rodak.
Rodak saves a rocket from Duran.
Al Nassr gets a free kick from a good position. Radhi Al Otaibi gets yellow for his foul.
Mane with a brilliant run again sets up Yahya, who makes it 2-1.
The offside flag comes to the rescue of Al Ettifaq this time and disrepair for the home support.
Wijnaldum takes advantage of a defensive error from Al Nassr defender Al Fatil. The former Liverpool man rounds off Bento and calmly slots it home.
The offside flag is up and it cuts the celebration. VAR comes into action.
The goal stands. A huge blow for Al Nassr.
Brazovic gets booked for his late challenge on Radhi Al Otaibi. It was a nasty tackle, could have easily been more than just a yellow.
Al Nassr wins a corner.
Duran hits the sidenetting from the resulting set piece.
AL Ettifaq is looking to get back into the game after going down minutes after the restart.
Two minutes into the second essay, Al Nassr breaks the deadlock. Ayman Yahya heads home Mane’s superb cross from the left flank.
The second half is underway in Riyadh.
Al Ettifaq fails to make something happen from the corner and the referee blows the whistle.
Al Nassr 0-0 Al Ettifaq
Bento with a outstanding double save.
The Al Nassr goalie first denies Wijnaldum and then makes an even better save from Otaibi’s rocket, which was destined for the top corner.
Three minutes added on after end of first 45.
Duran earns Al Nassr a corner.
The game has suddenly lost pace as both teams are looking cautious before the half time break.
Ronaldo is flagged offside as he tries to go through on the left flank.
After half and hour of structured defending from both side, the game seems to have opened up in the last few minutes.
Rodak with a brilliant diving save keeps Ronaldo from the scoresheet.
The Al Nassr skipper is getting closer and closer to his 17th league goal.
Ronaldo’s long range effort is straight at Rodak, who catches it with ease.
Fabrizio Romano is also attending the match.
Ronaldo almost scores from the free-kick. Rodak got hand on it.
Al Nassr gets a free kick.
Ronaldo hits the post from an acute angle. Rodak might have had a touch to push the ball on to the near post.
Ettifaq gets a corner but fails to take advantage of the set piece situation.
Costa is fouled by Nawaf.
Nawaf’s cross almost gives the home side the opening goal but Ettifaq defence was alert. A brilliant ball from Brazovic sets up Nawaf on the right flank.
Bento makes a good save to deny Toko Ekambi, However, the offside flag was up.
Boxing legend Oleksandr Usyk is in the house supporting the home team wearing an Al Nassr shirt.
Ettifaq left-back Radhi Al Otaibi is now down holding his hand and is receiving treatment on the field.
Bento with a howler almost gifts Al Ettifaq the opening goal. The Al Nassr custodian spills a seemingly harmless looking shot and Karl Toko Ekambi almost scores from the rebound.
Mane lays off a brilliant ball for Jhon Duran on the edge of the six yard box but the striker fails too keep his effort on target.
Ronaldo and Duran are lurking in the Al Nassr attacking third and searching for service from the rest of the team.
Fatil looks in serious pain. He’s holding his right keen. He’s off the pitch for now.
Nassr defender Fatil is down holding his leg. This is potentially a problem for Pioli, who had to make several changes in his backline.
Al Nassr has started the match with confidence after winning its last five league matches.
Mane finds Duran’s run from the middle but the Colombian fails to keep his short on target.
The Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq Saudi Pro League 2024-25 match is under way.
Players are on the pitch and the live action will begin soon.
Stay tuned for live updates.
Al Nassr: Bento (gk); Boushal, Alawjami, Laporte, Al-Najdi; Gabriel, Brozovic, Al-Khaibari, Mane; Duran, Ronaldo
Al Ettifaq: Rodak (gk); Abdulrahman, Al Khateeb, Madu, Otaibi; Ali, Medran; Costa, Wijnaldum, Vitinho; Ekambi
NAS vs ETT: All you need to know about the Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq Saudi Pro League 2024-25 match to be played at the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr will be looking to revive their chase for the Saudi Pro League 2024-25 title when it to face Al Ettifaq at the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on Friday.
After winning its five consecutive matches, Ronaldo’s side is currently third in the table with 44 points, eight behind Al Ittihad and four below Al Hilal in first and second, respectively.
Al Nassr’s new recruit Jhon Duran scored twice in their last game, while Ronaldo has netted 16 times in the league so far.
Hello and welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq Saudi Pro League 2024-25 match to be played at the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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NAS vs ETT: Catch the highlights of Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq Saudi Pro League 2024-25 match to be played at the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Al-Nassr
2 – 3
Al Ettifaq
Looking to maintain their flawless run in the Saudi Pro League, Al-Nassr welcome Al Ettifaq for round 21 on Friday evening.
The Knights of Najd have won each of their last five outings in the top flight, a streak that places them third in the standings with 44 points from 20 matches.
© Imago
Al-Nassr enter Friday’s encounter in red-hot form, having last dropped points in the league on January 17 when they played out a 1-1 draw at Al-Taawoun.
Since then, Stefano Pioli’s men have dispatched Al Khaleej, Al Fateh, Al Raed and Al Fayha before securing a thrilling 3-2 victory on their trip to Al-Ahli, extending their unbeaten run in the top flight to seven matches.
That result leaves Al-Nassr four points adrift of second-placed Al-Hilal, level on points with fourth-placed Al Quadisiya and still eight behind Al-Ittihad, who sit at the summit.
The Big Yellow’s impressive run has been fuelled by attacking prowess, with 18 goals netted in their last seven league outings, bringing their tally to 43 — making them the third-most prolific side in the division.
However, their firepower was stifled last time out as the Riyadh-based outfit played out a goalless draw against Iranian side Persepolis in the AFC Champions League on Monday, halting a six-match winning streak across all competitions.
Still, with their perfect recent record in the top flight intact, Al-Nassr will be confident of stretching their run, having won their last two meetings with Friday’s visitors, including a commanding 3-0 triumph in September’s reverse fixture.
© Imago
Al Ettifaq, meanwhile, suffered their first league defeat of the post-Steven Gerrard era last weekend, falling 2-1 to bottom-placed Al Fateh in what marked their eighth home loss of the campaign.
Despite the setback, new boss Saad Al-Shehri, who won his first two top-flight matches in charge, has guided the side up to 10th in the standings with 25 points, 11 clear of the relegation zone.
While Al Ettifaq’s home form has been concerning — with just six points from 10 games, the worst record in the division — they have fared significantly better on the road, collecting 19 points from a possible 30 to rank as the fifth-best travellers.
The visitors will be hoping their impressive away form proves decisive as they look to avoid defeat at Al-Nassr for the first time since their 1-0 triumph at Al-Awwal Park in October 2021.
Al Ettifaq come into this clash on the back of a 1-1 draw against Al Quadisiya in the AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League in midweek, leaving Al-Shehri’s record at two wins, one draw and two losses since taking charge.
© Imago
Former RB Leipzig centre-back Mohamed Simakan is suspended for this encounter after receiving a red card in the previous outing, with Mohammed Al-Fatil expected to deputise in central defence.
Meanwhile, Portuguese midfielder Otavio is unavailable after being forced off with an injury just 22 minutes into the match at Al-Ahli.
New signing Jhon Duran, who has already bagged braces in both of his league appearances, is expected to lead the line alongside charismatic captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who tops the Golden Boot race with 16 goals and will be looking to return to the scoresheet after a quiet showing in the previous top-flight game.
Al Ettifaq, on the other hand, are dealing with a few key absences, with former Celtic striker Moussa Dembele sidelined due to an achilles injury sustained against Al Kholood, meaning Karl Toko Ekambi could spearhead the attack once again.
Defender Jack Hendry is also a doubt as he is set to miss a fourth straight league game with a muscle issue, while Marwan Al Haidari, who had been out since September, was named as an unused substitute last time out.
Al-Nassr possible starting lineup:
Bento; Al Ghanam, Al Fatil, Laporte, Al Najdi; Yahya, Brozovic, Al Khaibari, Mane; Duran, Ronaldo
Al Ettifaq possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Abdulrahman, Al Khateeb, Madu, Otaibi; Ali, Medran; Costa, Wijnaldum, Vitinho; Ekambi
Al-Nassr head into this clash as clear favourites, given their current form and recent dominance in this fixture.
Though Al Ettifaq have proven resilient on their travels, suffering just one defeat in 10 top-flight outings, the hosts’ attacking prowess should eventually break through their stubborn defence, even if it takes a hard-fought effort.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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We say: Al-Nassr 3-1 Al Ettifaq
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How you voted: Al-Nassr vs Al Ettifaq
| Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS | |
| 1 | Al Ittihad | 20 | 17 | 1 | 2 | 50 | 19 | 31 | 52 |
| 2 | Al-HilalAl-Hilal | 20 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 60 | 20 | 40 | 48 |
| 3 | Al Quadisiya | 21 | 15 | 2 | 4 | 34 | 15 | 19 | 47 |
| 4 | Al-Nassr | 21 | 13 | 5 | 3 | 45 | 22 | 23 | 44 |
| 5 | Al-AhliAl-Ahli | 21 | 13 | 2 | 6 | 38 | 18 | 20 | 41 |
| 6 | Al ShababAl Shabab | 20 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 33 | 25 | 8 | 32 |
| 7 | Al Riyadh | 21 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 25 | 32 | -7 | 29 |
| 8 | Al Ettifaq | 21 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 28 | 32 | -4 | 28 |
| 9 | Al Khaleej | 21 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 26 | 30 | -4 | 28 |
| 10 | Al-TaawounAl-Taawoun | 20 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 20 | 18 | 2 | 27 |
| 11 | Damac | 21 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 28 | 34 | -6 | 24 |
| 12 | Al Kholood | 20 | 6 | 4 | 10 | 27 | 37 | -10 | 22 |
| 13 | Al Fayha | 21 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 16 | 30 | -14 | 20 |
| 14 | Al Orubah | 21 | 6 | 2 | 13 | 17 | 40 | -23 | 20 |
| 15 | Al RaedAl Raed | 21 | 5 | 2 | 14 | 24 | 37 | -13 | 17 |
| 16 | Al Okhdood | 21 | 4 | 4 | 13 | 21 | 34 | -13 | 16 |
| 17 | Al Fateh | 21 | 4 | 4 | 13 | 19 | 43 | -24 | 16 |
| 18 | Al WahdaAl Wahda | 20 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 25 | 50 | -25 | 13 |
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