When Jhon Duran buried a clinical finish in the 75th minute, and Cristiano Ronaldo redeemed himself with a cold-blooded penalty in the 97th minute, Al-Nassr didn’t just win a game — they kept their season alive. The 2-0 away victory over Al-Khaleej on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Saihat, Saudi Arabia, wasn’t pretty. But it was decisive. And for a team clinging to top-three hopes, that’s all that matters.
Redemption in Stoppage Time
Ronaldo, 40, had just missed a penalty in the 90th minute — a tame, wayward shot that sent the home crowd into a brief roar of disbelief. Goal.com called it “dreadful.” Even his teammates looked stunned. But football, as they say, forgives no one — and rewards those who refuse to quit. Seven minutes into stoppage time, referee Said Al-Mutairi pointed to the spot again after a handball in the box. This time, Ronaldo didn’t hesitate. A sharp, low strike to the bottom left corner. No celebration. Just a nod. The ball was in, the lead was secure, and the narrative had flipped.Duran, the 24-year-old Colombian forward wearing number 9, had already done his part. His goal came from a swift counterattack, finishing off a pass from Otávio with a left-footed curler that slipped past goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Hamdan. It was the kind of moment that defines a player’s reputation. “He was the brightest spark on the pitch,” wrote Goal.com’s match analyst. And for once, he wasn’t just lighting up the field — he was carrying the weight of a team that’s been overly reliant on Ronaldo’s magic.
The Lineup That Held the Line
Al-Nassr’s starting XI, under head coach Rudi Garcia, was a blend of grit and grace. Goalkeeper Bento (24) made three critical saves, including a fingertip stop on a 78th-minute header from Al-Khaleej’s Omar Al-Shehri. The backline — Boushal (12), Al-Fatil (4), Simakan (3), and Al-Ghannam (2) — held firm despite constant pressure. Midfielders Mané (10) and Otávio (25) dictated tempo, while Yahya (23) and Al-Khaibari (17) provided defensive cover.Al-Khaleej, managed by Mohammed Al-Shalhoub, pushed hard in the final 20 minutes. Two yellow cards — to Ozaybi Raed (95’) and Waheb Saleh (92’) — signaled their desperation. But they never truly threatened to equalize. Al-Nassr’s defense, often criticized this season, looked organized. For the first time in weeks, they didn’t look like they were playing with fire.
Why This Win Matters More Than the Scoreline
With 37 points from 16 matches, Al-Nassr sit in second place — five points behind league leaders Al-Hilal. Six games remain. The top three qualify for the 2025-2026 Asian Champions League Elite competition, which means Al-Nassr can’t afford another slip-up. A draw or loss here would’ve opened the door for Al-Ittihad or Al-Ahli to close the gap. Instead, they kept their destiny in their own hands.Ronaldo’s penalty wasn’t just about goals — it was about legacy. He’s chasing 1,000 career goals, and every single one counts. He now has 899. The pressure on him has been immense. Every miss is dissected. Every goal is hailed as historic. But this one? This one felt like a statement. Not just to the fans, but to the doubters who say age has caught up.
And Duran? He’s quietly becoming the player Al-Nassr needs right now — the one who can score without relying on Ronaldo’s magic. His goal was his 12th of the season. He’s not just a support act anymore. He’s the co-star.
The Bigger Picture: A League on the Edge
The Saudi Pro League is no longer just a showcase for aging stars. It’s a genuine title race. Al-Hilal, with 42 points, look like the favorites. But Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli are all within five points of each other. The final six matches will be a bloodbath. Every point matters. Every goal counts. And every moment of individual brilliance — like Duran’s strike or Ronaldo’s redemption — could decide who lifts the trophy.Al-Nassr’s ownership, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, has invested over $1 billion into the club since 2022. The goal isn’t just domestic success — it’s global prestige. A Champions League Elite spot means more revenue, more exposure, more chances to attract top talent. This win wasn’t just about three points. It was about proving they belong at the table with Europe’s elite.
What Comes Next?
Al-Nassr’s next fixture is a home match against Al-Riyadh on May 27, 2025. A win there would put them within two points of Al-Hilal. Ronaldo is expected to start, but Garcia may rest him for the final two matches if the situation allows. Duran, meanwhile, is likely to remain a starter — his form too consistent to bench.For Al-Khaleej, the defeat leaves them in 11th place, six points above the relegation zone. Their season is effectively over. But for Al-Nassr? The dream is still alive. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jhon Duran’s performance impact Al-Nassr’s title chances?
Duran’s goal was his 12th of the season and came at a critical moment when Al-Nassr needed a breakthrough. His pace and finishing have made him a reliable alternative to Ronaldo, reducing the team’s over-reliance on the Portuguese star. With six matches left, Duran’s consistency — especially in high-pressure games — could be the difference between qualifying for the Asian Champions League Elite or falling short.
Why was Ronaldo’s penalty miss so significant?
Ronaldo, nearing 900 career goals, had already missed a penalty earlier in the match — a rare error that drew heavy criticism. Missing again would’ve been a psychological blow, especially with his legacy at stake. His successful conversion in stoppage time wasn’t just about scoring — it was about mental resilience. It silenced doubters and reinforced his reputation as a big-game player, even at 40.
What does this result mean for Al-Nassr’s Asian Champions League Elite hopes?
With 37 points from 16 matches, Al-Nassr remain in second place, five points behind Al-Hilal. Only the top three in the Saudi Pro League qualify for the 2025-2026 Asian Champions League Elite. Six matches remain, and Al-Nassr must win at least four to guarantee qualification. This win keeps them alive, but they can’t afford another slip-up — especially against direct rivals like Al-Ittihad or Al-Ahli.
How has Al-Nassr’s defense improved recently?
In their previous five matches, Al-Nassr conceded 11 goals — an average of 2.2 per game. Against Al-Khaleej, they kept a clean sheet for the first time in nearly two months. The backline, led by Simakan and Al-Fatil, showed improved communication and positioning. Goalkeeper Bento’s three saves, including a vital stop in the 78th minute, signaled a turnaround. Defensive stability is now their biggest asset.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo still the main reason Al-Nassr is competitive?
Not anymore. While Ronaldo’s goals and star power matter, Jhon Duran has emerged as a genuine scoring threat — scoring 12 goals in 16 matches compared to Ronaldo’s 15. More importantly, Duran’s movement and work rate create space for others. Al-Nassr’s attack is becoming more balanced. Ronaldo remains vital, but he’s no longer the sole engine. The team is evolving beyond one-man dominance.
What’s the timeline for Al-Nassr’s remaining fixtures?
Al-Nassr’s final six matches are: Al-Riyadh (May 27), Al-Ittihad (June 3), Al-Hilal (June 10), Al-Ahli (June 17), Al-Shabab (June 24), and Al-Fateh (June 30). The match against Al-Hilal on June 10 is the most critical — a direct clash for second place. A win there could put them within one point of the leaders. Every game from now on is a potential title decider.