Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his 40th birthday in style, but it was Jhon Duran who stole the show for Al Nassr.
In his first league game since joining the Saudi side for €77million (£64.5m) from Aston Villa, Duran needed just 22 minutes to make an impact in Al Nassr’s 3-0 win against Al Fayha.
Duran was positioned perfectly as he picked up the ball following a turnover 30 yards from Al Fayha’s goal.
The Colombian drove towards goal and fooled Al Fayha centre-back Chris Smalling with a shimmy before coolly slotting into the back of the net.
Ronaldo, who started up top alongside Duran, raised his finger in celebration upon seeing the net ripple before running off to join his new teammate.
Duran celebrated by replicating his hilarious facial expressions when he was filmed on the bench during Villa’s 4-2 win over Celtic.
The 21-year-old talent bagged his second of the evening in the 72nd minute.
A cross from Sadio Mane on the left flank flew across the face of goal and straight to Duran.
He lofted the ball over the on-rushing goalkeeper and over the line as an Al Fayha defender failed to clear it in time.
Once again Ronaldo was in close proximity and raced away to celebrate with Duran.
Duran’s double was a timely reminder for some of Europe’s biggest clubs of his remarkable talent at such a young age.
French giants Paris Saint-Germain held an interest in the 21-year-old in the January window while Chelsea were heavily linked with a move for Duran last summer.
But their loss is Al Nassr’s gain, with the precocious talent and Ronaldo now forming one of the most formidable attacking partnerships in the Saudi Pro League.
It was then the Portuguese superstar’s turn to get on the scoresheet two minutes later.
Al Nassr right-back Nawaf Boushal made a streaking run on the right flank before laying it on a platter for Ronaldo, who went untracked into the box and swept home.
It was Ronaldo’s first goal since celebrating his 40th birthday on Wednesday.
Although a stadium-wide rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ didn’t transpire, Al Nassr’s supporters decided to serenade Ronaldo in the 40th minute via chanting his name.
Ronaldo’s goal was his 16th in the Saudi Pro League this term, putting him two clear of former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema in the race for the golden boot.
Al Nassr’s win also lifted them into third place on the ladder with 41 points.
However, Ronaldo’s side remain five points behind second-placed Al Hilal, who also have a game in hand.