Al Nassr sit top of the Saudi Pro League after three perfect wins, but their 3-2 comeback victory at Al-Ettifaq on Tuesday was far from comfortable and raised serious questions about the squad's depth and fitness. Goalkeeper Bento was sent off in the 13th minute, forcing manager Ange Postecoglou to sacrifice midfielder Angelo and bring on young substitute Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi. The teenager then conceded two goals from outside the box before Al Nassr turned the match around in the final quarter-hour, with Sadio Mane scoring twice and Abdulilah Al-Amri adding a third to complete a stunning ten-man comeback.

Postecoglou also made the decision to substitute captain Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time, with the manager explaining it was simply too difficult for him to continue given the circumstances of the match. Ronaldo had played the full first half but struggled to finish chances, and his early exit drew significant attention. The Portuguese forward is chasing 1,000 career goals and needs 23 more to reach that milestone.

Off the pitch, Al Nassr continue to deal with reported financial pressure. Media reports claim the club carries debts of around 800 million Saudi riyals, with Ronaldo's scheduled payments cited as a major factor. Rumours linking Mane to a move to Al Ittihad have circulated, though his match-winning display against Al-Ettifaq will do little to accelerate any departure. With Al-Taawoun visiting Al-Awwal Park on Friday, Postecoglou needs a calmer performance from a squad that is winning but not yet convincing.