‘It’s like playing FIFA’ – Jhon Duran revels in new partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo

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Jhon Duran struggled to contain his delight after scoring twice alongside Cristiano Ronaldo on his Al-Nassr debut yesterday.

The Colombia striker joined the Riyadh club at the end of the January transfer window for £65million from Aston Villa and netted an impressive brace in his new club’s 3-0 defeat of Al-Fayha.

Ronaldo was also on the scoresheet with goal 924 of his remarkable career to cap a perfect night for Stefano Pioli’s men.

Asked about playing alongside the Portugal superstar, Duran said: “It feels like I’m playing FIFA Career Mode. I’m celebrating goals with Cristiano Ronaldo!”

The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Duran found space in the centre of the box and slotted a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner, putting Al-Nassr ahead.

Ronaldo, inevitably, gets his goal

Ronaldo was lively throughout the half, coming close in the 31st minute after being set up by Sadio Mane, but his shot missed the target.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Al-Nassr dictating play and creating numerous opportunities. Al-Fayha’s defence was under constant pressure, and Duran doubled the hosts’ lead in the 72nd minute, converting from close range after a delightful cross from Mane.

Just two minutes later, Ronaldo got his goal, finishing a swift counter-attack with a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner.

What’s next for in-form Al-Nassr?

The win was Al-Nassr’s fifth in a row in all competitions and they now sit third in the Pro League.

Next up is a trip to fifth-placed Al Ahli on Thursday.




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