Playmaker’s Luis Jimenez’s dream start to his Al Nasr career continued as he grabbed his second-successive brace in a 3-1 Arabian Gulf League win at Al Dhafra.
Jimenez, 31, proved the difference at Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium as his double ensured the Blue Wave made it a perfect six points from their opening two matches.
They were made to fight for it against the winless Western Knights, who competed strongly throughout.
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It was Nasr who went ahead in the 19th minute, a dangerous cross from Jires Kembo Ekoko being turned into his own net by despairing defender Khaleel Abdulla Alali.
The summer buy from Al Ain was soon involved in his own half, hacking down Abdulraheem Juma to concede a penalty striker Makhete Diop converted expertly.
Ivan Jovanovic’s men then exhibited their ability to turn last term’s President’s Cup and Arabian Gulf Cup double into a title charge, Jimenez at the forefront.
Kembo Ekoko again provided the inspiration to make it 2-1, a perfect cross being lofted in by the Chile star who arrived at Al Maktoum Stadium in July on a free transfer after four glorious years at Al Ahli.
Laurent Banide’s host had two goals ruled out before the break as they fought for parity, the first for a foul on goalkeeper Ahmed Shambieh then for offside.
Nasr went on to seal the three points just past the hour mark, Jimenez moving onto four goals from two top-flight matches as he smashed in via centre-back Ahmad Ibrahim’s leg following smart work from winger Jonathan Pitroipa.
Meanwhile, Fujairah exorcised the demons of their opening-day humiliation at Al Ahli by easing to a 3-0 triumph against newly-
promoted Al Shaab.
The Wolves had gotten of to the worst start imaginable in 2015/16, being thrashed 8-1 at Al Ahli. But there was never any chance of a
repeat at Fujairah Stadium.
The unfortunate Fahad Sabil broke in the deadlock on 44 minutes, putting into his own net.
Defender Madjid Bougherra tapped in after the break, striker Patrick Eze then completing the rout with a bullet header on 72 minutes.
