Al Nassr have made the perfect start to their title defence, beating Al Fateh 3-0 at Al-Awwal Park on August 15 to sit top of the Saudi Pro League after the opening round. The result carries real weight: this is a squad expected to face serious pressure after winning the 2025-26 title on the final day, and a clean sheet with three goals scored sends a clear early statement.

Angelo Gabriel, João Félix, and Samu Costa got the goals, with the Brazilian midfielder particularly catching the eye after being reinvented in a central role. Critically, the victory came without captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who watched from the stands. The Portuguese star has hinted this could be his final season as a professional, adding a significant subplot to everything Al Nassr do this campaign. His absence against Al Fateh showed the squad has enough quality to perform without him, though his fitness and availability will remain a key talking point throughout the season.

Coach Ange Postecoglou sparked debate after the match by raising concerns about fixture congestion, a complaint that drew pushback given rivals face similar schedules. Off the pitch, reports earlier this week indicated the club had been dealing with financial pressures that complicated summer transfer activity, though signs of resolution have since emerged. A registration rule issue affecting Saudi Pro League clubs could also delay new signings from featuring before the winter window.

Attention now turns to the King Cup, with Al Nassr travelling to face Al Diriyah on August 18 before returning to league action against Al Riyad on August 21.