Postecoglou subs off Ronaldo to spark dramatic Al-Nassr comeback
August 26, 2026 12:33
Al-Nassr recovered from a chaotic first half to beat Al-Ettifaq after falling 2-0 behind and being reduced to 10 men. The match turned when manager Ange Postecoglou made halftime changes, including substituting Cristiano Ronaldo, who had started his first game since the World Cup and left the pitch visibly frustrated.
After the break Sadio Mané and Abdulelah Al Amri struck within a three-minute spell to pull the visitors level with around 13 minutes remaining, and Mané then secured the winner in stoppage time.
KEY CONTEXT
- Al-Nassr conceded an early blow when goalkeeper Bento was sent off about 12 minutes into the game, forcing the champions to play most of the match a man short.
- Ronaldo, 41, was starting his first game since the World Cup and was substituted at half-time; he reacted to the decision by spreading his arms toward the bench.
- Postecoglou has only recently taken charge of the Saudi club, arriving last month after being dismissed by Nottingham Forest in October following a 39-day spell in charge.
WHY IT MATTERS
- The comeback gave Al-Nassr their third straight league victory and moved them to the top of the table, underlining the immediate impact of Postecoglou’s early interventions.
- The match highlighted tactical decisions the new manager is willing to make, including replacing a global star mid-game and relying on substitutes to change the course of a fixture.
- It also placed focus on Ronaldo’s role and minutes this season: he has said this is likely to be his final campaign so he can concentrate more on family life, having married Georgina Rodriguez earlier this month.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Postecoglou maintains the same approach to substitutions and game management, particularly regarding Ronaldo’s involvement and match minutes.
- How Al-Nassr cope in matches where they are reduced to 10 men, given the early red card in this game.
- The team’s ability to sustain their form as league leaders following three straight wins.
KEY FACTS
- Bento was sent off around the 12th minute, leaving Al-Nassr with 10 men for most of the match.
- Ronaldo started his first game since the World Cup and was substituted at half-time; he appeared frustrated when coming off.
- Sadio Mané scored twice (including a stoppage-time winner) and Abdulelah Al Amri also scored in the second half.
- Al-Nassr moved to the top of the Saudi Pro League after three consecutive victories.
- Postecoglou took charge last month after being sacked by Nottingham Forest in October following 39 days in charge.
- Ronaldo has said this season is likely to be his final one as a player; he married Georgina Rodriguez earlier this month.