Al Nassr are riding a wave of momentum after a thrilling 5-3 victory over Al Kholood in Matchweek 12 of the Saudi Pro League, a result that pushed them to second place with 28 points from 11 games, level with leaders Al Qadsiah who have played one more. Cristiano Ronaldo was the night's standout performer, scoring a hat-trick to bring his league tally to eight goals and move within 15 of the landmark 1,000 career goals. Angelo Gabriel and Sadio Mane also scored, with the Senegalese forward celebrating his 100th appearance in the Saudi Pro League on the same night.

Manager Ange Postecoglou was in a defiant mood after the match, pushing back on questions about defensive vulnerabilities despite conceding three. He acknowledged a lack of organisation at the back in the first half but insisted the team corrected it after the break, urging supporters to focus on the positives of a five-goal performance.

Off the pitch, AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale confirmed that RedBird Capital held early-stage talks about a potential investment in Al Nassr, adding that he wants to speak directly with Ronaldo about his future plans. Ronaldo himself is also set to return to the Portugal squad in November after a suspension stemming from his walkout during the last international break was effectively reduced by time already served.

Next up for Al Nassr is an AFC Champions League Elite away tie against Pakhtakor Tashkent on 2 November.