Al Nassr's unbeaten start to the Saudi Pro League season came to an end on Saturday when they fell 2-1 to rivals Al Ittihad at King Abdullah Sports City. The defeat was their first in five league matches this season and leaves them second in the table with 12 points, three behind Al Hilal, who remain perfect after five games. Nigerian forward George Ilenikhena scored both goals for Al Ittihad inside the opening 22 minutes, and although Angulo Gabriel pulled one back for Al Nassr before half-time, the defending champions could not find an equaliser.

The result has raised questions about the club's consistency, particularly given their financial difficulties and the restrictions placed on them under financial monitoring, which limited their activity in the summer transfer window. Manager Ange Postecoglou defended his players after the match, but his comments were quickly overshadowed by controversy surrounding João Félix, whose remarks after the game sparked a wide debate on social media. Reports suggested Félix made inflammatory comments about the Saudi league, though sources close to the club denied the quotes were accurate. A legal expert cited in coverage suggested any potential punishment would not exceed 100,000 riyals, pointing to Cristiano Ronaldo as a precedent for how such situations are handled.

Al Nassr return to Al-Awwal Park on Wednesday to face Abha, a match they will be expected to win as they look to recover momentum and keep pace with Al Hilal at the top.