Al Nassr are winning again, but questions about their long-term direction are growing louder. Back-to-back Saudi Pro League victories, over Neom SC and Al-Faisaly, have steadied the ship after a rocky start to the season, and the 3-1 win at Majmaah Sports City is the clearest sign yet that Ange Postecoglou's side are finding their rhythm. They sit third in the table with 22 points, three behind leaders Al Qadsiah, with a game in hand.

The performances, though, have not silenced the debate around Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old missed a penalty against Neom and cut a frustrated figure in both matches, openly contesting referee decisions against Al-Faisaly. Postecoglou has continued to start him for the full 90 minutes, a decision that draws criticism from pundits who question whether a squad role might better serve the team. A clash with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, which saw Ronaldo leave the national team camp early and receive a subsequent punishment, has added to the noise around his situation.

Off the pitch, the club faces a significant constraint. Sports journalist Abdulaziz Al-Muraisi confirmed that Al Nassr will remain under strict financial oversight until at least the end of the current season, making January signings virtually impossible. The squad Postecoglou has now must carry the title challenge through to May, which makes the recent upturn in form all the more important to sustain.