Al Nassr sit top of the Saudi Pro League after three matches, but the manner of their latest victory over Al-Ettifaq tells a complicated story about where this squad currently stands. Trailing 2-0 and reduced to ten men from the 12th minute after goalkeeper Bento received a straight red card, Ange Postecoglou's side produced a remarkable turnaround, with Sadio Mane scoring twice and Abdulilah Al-Amri adding a third between the 74th and 90th minutes to seal a 3-2 win. It was a result that preserved their perfect record and kept Al Ittihad, two points back in second, at a distance.

The drama did not end with the final whistle. Postecoglou substituted Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time, with the manager explaining the captain could not continue given the circumstances of the match. Ronaldo had played his first start of the season and, according to reports, his physical condition affected his ability to finish attacks. The decision drew scrutiny, though the comeback that followed made it harder to argue with the outcome.

Off the pitch, reports of a financial debt of 800 million Saudi riyals linked in part to Ronaldo's contracted payments have circulated, with speculation about potential departures including Sadio Mane. Those rumours have not been confirmed, and Mane's two-goal performance against Al-Ettifaq only strengthens the case for keeping him. Al Nassr host Al-Taawoun on Friday, a fixture that offers a chance to extend their lead before tougher tests arrive.