Darwin Núñez sends out a statement as Sadio Mané narrows the gap on his former Liverpool teammate

 

 

Darwin Núñez has struck a defiant tone as pressure mounts from former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mané in an increasingly intense Saudi Pro League title race.

Both ex-Reds are chasing silverware in the Middle East this season, with Núñez hoping to secure consecutive league titles after playing a role in Liverpool’s Premier League triumph last year. Since leaving Anfield last summer, the Uruguayan forward has registered seven goals and five assists in 22 appearances across all competitions for Al-Hilal.

However, Al-Hilal’s grip on top spot has loosened once again. A 0–0 draw with Al-Ahli on Monday — their third successive league stalemate — has seen their lead trimmed to just one point over Mané’s Al-Nassr. Núñez was unable to influence the result as his side dropped more ground at the summit.

While reports suggest unrest at Al-Nassr amid claims Cristiano Ronaldo has gone on strike, Mané delivered on the pitch by scoring the decisive goal in a win over Al-Riyadh, keeping the pressure firmly on Al-Hilal.

The title battle remains wide open, with Al-Ahli also well in contention, sitting only three points behind the leaders with 15 matches still to play.

Despite recently surrendering a seven-point cushion at the top of the table, Núñez insists Al-Hilal are unfazed.

“We stay focused and determined in the chase for the title. Vamos, @Alhilal_FC,” he wrote on X on Tuesday.

Núñez ended his Liverpool career last summer after three seasons at the club, following his £85 million move from Benfica. While he remained popular among many fans, consistency proved elusive, and his missed chances often drew criticism.

In total, he made 143 appearances for the Reds, scoring 40 goals, but eventually fell out of favour under Arne Slot before sealing his departure.

“After three years, it’s time to say goodbye,” Núñez said at the time. “I leave with memories I’ll carry forever and a full heart, grateful to supporters who always stood by me — in good moments and bad.”