Al-Ahli 2-3 Al-Nassr Player Ratings: John Duran’s brace help Al Nassr edge past their rivals in Pro League clash

Round of 20 of the Saudi Pro League witnessed two in-form teams take each other head-on as Al-Nassr traveled to King Abdullah Sports City to take on Al-Ahli on Thursday evening. As per the results, both of these sides have won their last five fixture across all competitions. That being said, the traveling team were on a seven-win streak before their clash.

Speaking of unbeaten runs, Al-Ahli were on a great win streak as well before they endured a devastating loss of 2-1 against Al Okhdood. It seems like they have only learned lessons from that defeat as the team went on to defeat some of the big names in the league since then. The hosts are now in the fifth position in the table with 38 points.

On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo’s side is in the fourth position. As far as the away matches go, before the evening’s fixture, the traveling team had won six out of their eight encounters. Moreover, the head-to-head stats have added more confidence in the traveling team squad.

Both teams have made headlines this month with Al-Nassr for all the good reasons as the Saudi club has gotten the signature of Jhon Duran. On the other hand, Al-Ahli’s decision the depart ways with the Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino has rather seen the bitter side of the fans worldwide.

Before the match, Gabri Veiga and Ziyad Aljohani were the favorites to start. On the other hand, Laporte was supposed to start the game as well. Anticipations were on the rise as the match kicked off and both teams headed into the game with getting the three important points in mind. In the 5th minute, the match had the first goal as Mahrez went past the defence line to score past Bento. However, it was ruled out.

The first goal from the game came from Al-Nassr’s new signing Jhon Duran. After Sadio Mane’s pass to him outside the box, Duran guided the ball with his left foot to give the traveling team the lead. The first half finished with a 0-1 score.

However, from the beginning of the second half, it was all drama. Another shameful refereeing cost an important fixture. This time it is in the SPL. Ali-Majrashi’s goal stood even though Simakan had been prevented from clearing the ball in his box. After multiple claims and a VAR check, the goal was disallowed.

Al-Ahli got the equalizer after Ivan Toney headed Veiga’s cross. However, that did not stay for long as Yahya slotted it past to make the score 1-2. It was just 1 minute 58 seconds between the two goals. In the 87th minute, Duran scored another one to seal the deal.

Here are the Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr Player Ratings.

Al-Nassr Player Ratings vs Al-Ahli

Goalkeeper

Bento (4/10)

Could have done better when he conceded the first goal. However, he made some exceptional saves in the second half.

Defenders

Al-Najdi (6/10)

Looked sharp in the defensive duties and he was excellent going forward in the field. Broke the tight spaces with his runs and passes.

Laporte (5.5/10)

Been the best player in the defensive line today. His passing was good and clearances were with authority. Pioli would want him to continue for the rest of the matches. However, he could have done better when his team conceded in the 78th minute.

Simakan (4.5/10)

Had a below-average game. Above anything, he has to understand what goes on within the pitch and should keep his calm. He was given a red card after elbowing Ivan Toney.

Al Ghanam (4.5/10)

Had a good match in the first half. However, due to injury, he had to get off the field in the ending minutes of the first half.

Midfielders

Otavio (5/10)

Despite wanting to carry on, after being harshly challenged, the Portuguese midfielder was subbed off to prevent things from getting worse.

Brozovic (4.5/10)

It was just another day for Brozovic. Cut out opposition passes and drove forward anytime he got the opportunity.

Al Khaibari (4.5/10)

The match required him to hold the ball and make the passes into the open spaces. A duty where he failed today. However, his resilience made up for it.

Mane (6/10)

Was the most active player in the squad. Be it the defensive duties or the attacking prowess, the 32-year-old still plays like his early years. Assisted the first goal for his team.

Forwards

Ronaldo (4.5/10)

The Portuguese was rather silent in terms of performance this evening. However, the home team and the fans certainly felt the presence of the greatest of all time. Got subbed off in the 75th minute to give his 10-man team more defensive depth.

Duran (6/10)

Was heavily marked throughout the game. Still managed to score the goal as soon as he got the ball from Mane outside the box. His second goal was something else! What dribbling! And What a finish!

Manager

Stefano Pioli (4/10)

A day with mixed feelings for the manager and it was seen in his face at the touchline.

Substitutions

Ayman (4.5/10)

He was an early sub as Otavio was struggling. Looked to be a great sub made by Pioli in the first half. Turned out to be the super sub. Scored the second goal for the team to regain the lead.

Lajami (5/10)

Joined the game in the later stages of the first half. Played well for the rest of the match.

Qasheesh (5/10)

Came in and looked lively for the rest of the match.

Al-Fatil (4/10)

Came in for Cristiano Ronaldo. Gave the team more defensive depth.

Alhassan (4/10)

Came along Al-Fatil in the latter stages of the game.