Al Nassr are right in the thick of the Saudi Pro League title race after six rounds, sitting second on 15 points and separated from leaders Al Hilal only by goal difference. The defending champions ground out a nervy 2-1 win over bottom side Abha on Wednesday, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Abdullah Al Hamdan scoring before Nabil Fekir pulled one back for the visitors in the 75th minute. It was not a commanding performance, but the three points matter enormously in a table where Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah are all locked on 15 points.

The result offers some relief after a difficult run that included defeats to Al Ittihad and earlier losses in the opening weeks of the season. Ronaldo's contribution came under scrutiny despite the win, with reports noting his performance drew mixed reactions. The Portuguese forward does remain a central figure in the squad, and his pursuit of 1,000 career competitive goals adds an individual storyline running alongside the team's ambitions.

Off the pitch, the failed move for Algerian winger Anis Hadj Moussa from Feyenoord added frustration to the transfer window, with reports suggesting Al Nassr's own conduct in a previous deal with the Dutch club contributed indirectly to the collapse.

Attention now turns to a trip to Al Khaleej on Friday, a fixture Al Nassr will want to win to maintain pressure on Al Hilal at the summit.