Al Nassr vs Esteghlal: Ronaldo and Duran magic on the field 2025
Al Nassr vs Esteghlal, Al-Nassr delivered a statement performance in the AFC Champions League as they crushed Esteghlal 3-0 in the second leg of their round of 16 clash at Al-Awwal Park. Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran were the stars of the night, with Duran scoring a brace and Ronaldo netting a crucial penalty to ensure their side advanced to the quarter-finals in dominant fashion.
After a disappointing 0-0 draw in Iran, Al-Nassr needed a strong performance at home, and they didn’t disappoint. The Saudi giants capitalized on defensive errors, showed their attacking firepower, and kept Esteghlal on the back foot throughout the game.
Match Highlights: Al Nassr vs Esteghlal
First Half: Al-Nassr Take Full Control
Early Dominance
Al-Nassr started on the front foot, pressing Esteghlal aggressively. The hosts controlled possession, with Marcelo Brozovic and Ali Alhassan dictating the tempo from midfield.
Jhon Duran’s First Goal (9′)
- Esteghlal goalkeeper Seyed Hossein Hosseini made a huge mistake when his poor clearance fell straight to Jhon Duran.
- The Colombian forward wasted no time, chipping the ball over the keeper into the net to put Al-Nassr 1-0 up.
Cristiano Ronaldo Doubles the Lead (31′)
- Ronaldo played a brilliant backheel pass to Sadio Mane, who was brought down inside the box by Roozbeh Cheshmi.
- The referee awarded a penalty, and CR7 calmly slotted the ball past Hosseini, making it 2-0.
Esteghlal Reduced to 10 Men (45′)
- Mehran Ahmadi received a second yellow card for elbowing Mohammed Al-Fatil.
- This made Esteghlal’s comeback nearly impossible as they had to play the entire second half with 10 men.
Second Half: Jhon Duran Finishes the Job
Despite being down to 10 men, Esteghlal did their best to stay competitive. Their goalkeeper, Hosseini, made some impressive saves, keeping out Sadio Mane and Marcelo Brozovic.
Duran Seals the Win (79′)
- Angelo delivered a stunning through-ball that split Esteghlal’s defense.
- Duran latched onto the pass and blasted a shot past Hosseini, securing a 3-0 win for Al-Nassr.
Al-Nassr’s Defense Stands Strong
- Antonio Rudiger and Alex Telles were rock solid at the back, ensuring Esteghlal couldn’t find a way back into the game.
- Goalkeeper David Ospina had very little to do, thanks to Al-Nassr’s well-organized defensive shape.
Match Stats & Key Performances
Al-Nassr vs Esteghlal – Full Match Statistics
| Statistic | Al-Nassr | Esteghlal |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 63% | 37% |
| Shots (On Target) | 15 (7) | 6 (2) |
| Pass Accuracy | 88% | 74% |
| Fouls Committed | 10 | 15 |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
Player Ratings & Analysis
Al-Nassr Player Ratings
Cristiano Ronaldo (8/10) – Scored from the penalty spot, assisted Mane, and led from the front.
Jhon Duran (9/10) – Man of the Match – Two goals, relentless pressing, and great finishing.
Marcelo Brozovic (8.5/10) – Bossed the midfield, made six key passes, and controlled the tempo.
Antonio Rudiger (7.5/10) – Defended well and ensured Esteghlal never got a clear-cut chance.
David Ospina (6.5/10) – Had a quiet night, but did well when called upon.
Esteghlal Player Ratings
Seyed Hossein Hosseini (6/10) – Mixed night: made some great saves but also gifted Duran the opening goal.
Mehran Ahmadi (3/10) – The Big Loser – Got sent off, leaving Esteghlal with 10 men before halftime.
Roozbeh Cheshmi (4.5/10) – Gave away the penalty, struggled to contain Ronaldo and Mane.
Key Takeaways from Al-Nassr vs Esteghlal
1. Al-Nassr’s Attack is Finally Clicking
With Cristiano Ronaldo, Jhon Duran, and Sadio Mane, Al-Nassr have a deadly front three. If they keep this form, they could go all the way in the AFC Champions League.
2. Esteghlal’s Defensive Mistakes Proved Costly
Esteghlal’s defensive errors gifted Al-Nassr two goals, and Ahmadi’s red card made things even worse. They simply couldn’t handle the pressure.
3. Jhon Duran is Becoming a Key Player
Duran’s two-goal performance showed why he’s a key figure in Al-Nassr’s attack. His movement, finishing, and pressing make him a huge asset for Stefano Pioli.
What’s Next for Al-Nassr?
With this win, Al-Nassr move into the AFC Champions League quarter-finals. They’ll face one of Asia’s top teams, with hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
📅 Upcoming Fixtures:
Al-Nassr vs Al-Kholood (Saudi Pro League) – March 10
AFC Champions League Quarter-Final (Opponent TBA) – March 20
The Saudi Pro League title may be slipping away, but winning the AFC Champions League would be a huge achievement for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr.
Watch the video : Al nassr vs Isthegal
Conclusion
Al-Nassr produced a dominant performance to defeat Esteghlal 3-0, thanks to a brace from Jhon Duran and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty.
With this statement win, Al-Nassr are now serious contenders for the AFC Champions League title. Stefano Pioli’s tactics worked perfectly, and if they continue this momentum, they could lift their first continental trophy.
💬 Do you think Al-Nassr can win the AFC Champions League? Let us know in the comments!
FAQs
1. Who were the goal scorers for Al-Nassr against Esteghlal?
Jhon Duran scored twice, while Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty.
2. What was the final score of Al-Nassr vs Esteghlal?
Al-Nassr won 3-0 in the second leg of their AFC Champions League round of 16 clash.
3. Who was the best player for Al-Nassr?
Jhon Duran was the standout performer, scoring two goals and constantly threatening Esteghlal’s defense.
4. What’s next for Al-Nassr in the AFC Champions League?
Al-Nassr have qualified for the quarter-finals, where they’ll face a tougher opponent in the next round.
5. Can Al-Nassr win the AFC Champions League?
With Cristiano Ronaldo, Jhon Duran, and Sadio Mane in top form, Al-Nassr are among the favorites to win the AFC Champions League Elite.
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