Darwin Nunez Sends Brutal Reminder as Ex-Liverpool Star Frozen Out by Al-Hilal

Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez delivered a powerful statement with a brace in Al-Hilal's Asian Champions League match, securing a vital win and maintaining their unbeaten record in the competition.[1][3][4]

Nunez, who opened the scoring with a 19th-minute header from a Ruben Neves free-kick, added a 77th-minute winner to propel the four-time champions top of the western group with seven wins and a draw from eight games. Despite being frozen out of Al-Hilal's Saudi Pro League squad for the season's second half due to foreign player registration limits following Karim Benzema's arrival from Al-Ittihad, Nunez remains eligible for continental fixtures.[1][2]

The 26-year-old Uruguayan's performance came amid growing scrutiny. After Liverpool recouped £46 million from his transfer, Nunez struggled in Saudi Arabia, netting just seven goals in 23 appearances last half-season. Benzema's marquee signing displaced him entirely from league considerations, leaving Nunez on the periphery despite Al-Hilal's domestic dominance.[2]

Post-second goal, Nunez turned with a composed stare toward the stadium section housing the club owner, delaying celebrations with teammates. This gesture, amid his reduced role, was interpreted as a brutal reminder of his value—reinforcing his influence through direct contributions in key European-style clashes.[4]

Elsewhere, Al-Ahli edged Shabab Al-Ahli 4-3 to advance, while Al-Duhail face uncertainty after defeat. Nunez's display boosts his stock ahead of Uruguay's 2026 World Cup push under Marcelo Bielsa, though limited minutes pose challenges. A summer move looms as options dwindle.[1][2]

(Word count: 298)