From the very first minutes of the match, Al-Nasr took the initiative. Already in the 9th minute, John Duran took advantage of a mistake by an Esteghlal defender and opened the scoring, sending the ball into the back of the net with a precise strike. This quick goal gave the team confidence and set the tone for the subsequent developments on the pitch. After scoring, Al-Nasr players continued to attack, demonstrating great speed and precision in their passing. Midway through the first half, the team created several dangerous opportunities, and only the brilliant play of the opposing goalkeeper saved them from a second goal. Each Al Nasr attack became more and more threatening, and the spectators in the stands began to actively support their team.
In the 25th minute, Esteghlal attempted a counterattack, but Al-Nasr's defenders acted in a coordinated and efficient manner. They quickly regained control of the ball and went on the offensive. Meanwhile, John Durant, inspired by his first goal, continued to cause problems for the opposing defense, demonstrating excellent technique and speed. In the 35th minute, Al-Nasr doubled their lead. This time, the experienced striker distinguished himself by receiving the ball on the edge of the penalty area and accurately striking the corner of the goal.
The crowd applauded, and the team's players hugged each other, rejoicing in their success. The game now played at a more relaxed pace, with Al-Nasr controlling the ball and trying to prevent their opponents from attacking. In the second half, Esteghlal returned with renewed vigor, and their players began to actively press. However, despite their efforts, they failed to create a real threat to Al-Nasr's goal. The defenders displayed excellent organization, and the team's goalkeeper acted confidently on the clearances. In response, Al-Nasr continued to look for opportunities for a third goal.
By the end of the match, Al Nasr was at its peak. Their attacking moves became increasingly sophisticated, and they quickly managed to reach the opponent's goal again. In the 78th minute, after a superb combination play culminated in a precise shot from outside the penalty area, the score became 3-0, which finally shattered Esteghlal's morale. For the remainder of the match, Al-Nasr controlled the game, preventing their opponents from even considering scoring a single goal. After finishing the match with a confident victory, the team demonstrated excellent teamwork and a desire to fight for titles this season. With this attitude and level of play, they will certainly become serious contenders for the championship.
In the 27th minute of the match, Cristiano Ronaldo once again demonstrated his talent and composure. After Sadio Mané was brought down in the opponent's penalty area, the referee awarded a penalty to Al Nasr. Ronaldo stepped up to the penalty spot and executed a Panenka-style shot, elegantly sending the ball into the center of the goal and beating the goalkeeper. This goal not only doubled the team's advantage but also underscored the Portuguese's confidence in his abilities. After this moment, Al-Nasr's play became even more confident. Ronaldo, like a true leader, actively participated in attacks, trying to create new opportunities for his teammates. His interaction with Mané and Duran seemed very harmonious, and the opponents began to experience serious defensive difficulties.
During the next half of the match, Al-Nasr literally took the initiative. Ronaldo returned to the spotlight in the 40th minute when his precise cross from a corner led to another dangerous opportunity. The Esteghlal defender narrowly managed to clear the ball for a corner, saving his team from an imminent goal. The brilliant play of Ronaldo and his teammates instilled fear in the opposing defensive ranks. At the start of the second half, Esteghlal attempted to change the course of the match by making several substitutions and strengthening their attacking line. However, Al-Nasr continued to control the situation on the pitch.
In the 55th minute, Ronaldo put pressure on the opposing defense again, and his shot from outside the penalty area went inches wide of the post. The spectators in the stands held their breath at that moment, waiting for another goal. In the 65th minute, Al-Nasr launched another attack, in which Sadio Mané took an active part. He beat two defenders and, approaching the penalty area, passed the ball to the free Ronaldo. The Portuguese, noticing that the goalkeeper had left his goal, tried to throw the ball over him, but it was a little inaccurate. However, the game remained in favor of Al Nasr, and they continued to dominate.
Midway through the second half, the referee awarded another free kick to Al-Nasr after Duran was fouled. It was a perfect position to shoot, and all eyes turned to Ronaldo again. He approached the ball and, without thinking, fired. The ball, after a beautiful arc, flew into the top corner of the goal, causing a storm of emotion among the fans. The score became 3-0, and Esteghlal's hopes of getting back into the game began to fade. Al-Nasr didn't slow down in the remaining minutes of the match. The team's confidence grew with every moment, and they continued to attack, creating new scoring opportunities. Esteghlal's goalkeeper showed all his skills to prevent further goals, but Al Nasr's pressure was too great.
After Esteghlal Ahmad was sent off in the 45th minute, Al Nasr secured a numerical advantage, allowing them to control the match with even more confidence. The second half was dominated by the Saudi team, and in the 84th minute, John Duran scored twice, making the final score 3-0. This victory secured Al Nasr's qualification for the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League, where their opponent will be determined by a coin toss. The numerical advantage gave Al Nasr the opportunity to better control the ball and carry out more risky attacks. The team's players began to actively use the flanks, trying to break through the opposing defense. Cristiano Ronaldo continued to demonstrate his incredible technique, creating numerous chances for his teammates and being at the center of the action himself. His confidence on the pitch inspired the entire team.
As the second half began, Al-Nasr continued to attack. In the 55th minute, Ronaldo, having received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, made a brilliant pass to Duran, who, after going past the defender, found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but was unable to capitalize on the opportunity. However, this did not break the team's spirit. They continued to increase the pressure on the opponent's goal. In the 72nd minute, Al-Nasr launched another attack, which ended with a free kick. Ronaldo returned to the ball and his powerful shot narrowly missed the target. The Esteghlal goalkeeper managed to block the ball, but Duran was the first to reach the finish line, seemingly one step ahead of everyone else. This only underscored the high level of Al-Nasr's play that night.
