Nabil Fekir recreates iconic Paris Saint-Germain free-kick in Al Nassr defeat

Nabil Fekir scored a free-kick for Abha against Al Nassr that closely resembled his memorable effort for Lyon against Paris Saint-Germain almost eight years ago.

Al Nassr beat Abha 2-1 at Al-Awwal Park on Wednesday in the sixth round of the Roshn Saudi League, but Fekir’s goal was the standout moment for the visitors.

The French forward pulled one goal back for Abha in the 75th minute with a free-kick that caught Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento by surprise. Fekir struck the ball towards the corner occupied by the Brazilian goalkeeper, finding the net to make it 2-1.

The finish immediately recalled another free-kick Fekir scored against Paris Saint-Germain on 21 January 2018, when he was playing for Lyon.

On that occasion, Fekir gave Lyon the lead in the second minute. He again used a free-kick to surprise the goalkeeper, sending the ball towards the corner being guarded by Alphonse Areola.

Fekir’s contribution did not end with the opening goal. He later created Lyon’s second, scored by Dutch striker Memphis Depay, as Lyon secured a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the 22nd round of Ligue 1.

The similarity between the two strikes was highlighted by footage shared online, reviving memories of one of Fekir’s notable moments in French football. In both matches, his free-kicks deceived the goalkeeper by being aimed towards the side where he was positioned.

Despite Fekir’s goal, Abha could not avoid defeat at Al-Awwal Park. The result left Al Nassr with the victory while Abha’s French forward had to settle for scoring the visitors’ only goal.

Fekir joined Abha during the most recent summer transfer window after moving from United Arab Emirates club Al Jazira. Wednesday’s strike was his first goal in the Roshn Saudi League.

The 2018 match remains a significant reference point in Fekir’s career. His goal against Paris Saint-Germain came during his time at Lyon, when he also supplied the assist for Depay’s decisive effort in a match that ended 2-1.

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