Darwin Nunez makes fresh statement after new milestone following Liverpool exit

Darwin Nunez has now scored in both of his competitive appearances for Al-Hilal since leaving Liverpool in a £43.3m deal this summer, netting in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday

Former Liverpool ace Darwin Nunez was among the goals for Al-Hilal in their AFC Champions League opener against Al-Duhail on Tuesday night. The striker netted his second goal in as many games for his new club after leaving Anfield.

Al-Hilal kicked off their group stage campaign against the eight-time Qatari champions and found themselves trailing by a goal after 37 minutes. However, the Saudi side regrouped at half-time and Nunez equalised in the 57th minute.

The ex-Liverpool No. 9 cleverly positioned himself in an open space within the penalty area. His shot may have seemed mis-hit into the turf, but the bounce of the ball fooled the opposition goalkeeper.

Ex-AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez sealed Al-Hilal’s victory with a volley from the edge of the 18-yard box about 10 minutes later, reports the Liverpool Echo. Liverpool decided to let go of Nunez this summer, with the Uruguay international scoring 40 goals in 143 appearances in England following his £64m move from Benfica.

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His first two seasons under Jurgen Klopp – despite facing criticism – saw a steady increase in his contributions in front of goal as Liverpool clinched the Community Shield and Carabao Cup. But his role was reduced under Arne Slot last season with him not starting a match in the last three months of the campain.

After his £43.3m move to Al-Hilal, the striker has been on fire, netting three goals in pre-season matches and continuing his scoring streak in his first two competitive games for his new club. Nunez appears to be flourishing away from the pressures of top-tier European football.

Following the departure of several key players from Slot’s title-winning team over the summer, Liverpool responded by bringing in a host of new talent, including two centre forwards. First up was Hugo Ekitike, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for a hefty £79m.

The 23-year-old hit the ground running, scoring in his first three competitive matches for the Reds and even chipping in with an assist. Ekitike has since continued to spearhead Slot’s attack, while £125m deadline day signing Alexander Isak bides his time on the sidelines.

The ex-Newcastle United player was rested for Sunday’s match against Burnley, but Liverpool have confirmed he’ll be part of the squad for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

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