Al Nassr are riding a wave of individual brilliance after Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in a thrilling 5-3 victory over Al Kholood in Matchweek 12 of the Saudi Pro League. The result pushed the club to second place with 28 points from 11 games, level with leaders Al Qadsiah, who have played one game more. Angelo Gabriel and Sadio Mane also got on the scoresheet, with Mane marking his 100th Saudi Pro League appearance in the process.

Coach Ange Postecoglou was visibly frustrated after the match when questioned about defensive vulnerabilities, insisting the focus should be on a five-goal performance and Ronaldo's treble rather than the three goals conceded. His comments reflect a tension that has followed the team this season, where attacking output has masked defensive inconsistency. The win was welcome, but the manner of it leaves questions about the team's defensive organisation.

Off the pitch, AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale confirmed that RedBird Capital has held preliminary talks about a potential acquisition of Al Nassr, adding that he wants to sit down with Ronaldo to understand his plans. It is an early-stage conversation, but it signals serious external interest in the club's future direction.

Al Nassr now face Pakhtakor Tashkent in the AFC Champions League Elite on 2 November before returning to league action against Al Hazm on 6 November.