Al-Nassr made a statement winter signing as the Saudi Pro League side signed striker Jhon Duran from Aston Villa for a reported fee of €77 million (£64m/$79m). The Colombian striker made his debut against relegation battlers Al-Feiha at Al-Awwal Park and showed exactly why he has been signed.
Duran started in a two-striker partnership alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who celebrated his 40th birthday on the eve of the clash. After a strong start from the hosts, Al-Feiha looked to gain some momentum before Sadio Mane wrestled the ball away from a midfielder and found Duran in a crowded space. However, the Colombian's quick feet managed to open up some space in front of him before he lashed a shot past Orlando Mosquera to open his account for the nine-time Saudi Pro League champions. Stefano Pioli's men took a 1-0 lead in at half-time as they looked to pass Al-Qadsiah in the standings.
The host seemed to not be on their best show as Al-Feiha threatened to equalise multiple times, however, Mane found Duran yet again in the 72nd minute as Al-Nassr found space on the counter before the Colombian bobbled the ball past Mosquera and into the back of the net to double the hosts lead. Ronaldo then managed to grab his 16th league goal of the season after right-back Nawaf Boushal found the captain with a cutback in open space in the box.
Al-Nassr secured their three points and leapt over Al-Qadsiah into third place in the Saudi Pro League standings, eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad.