Al Nassr are building momentum at exactly the right time. A composed 3-1 win away at Al-Faisaly on Friday lifted them to second in the Saudi Pro League with 25 points from 10 games, level on points with third-placed Al Qadsiah but behind leaders Al Hilal by just two points. Four consecutive wins since the international break have steadied a campaign that looked shaky earlier in the season, when defeats to Al Ittihad and a heavy 4-0 loss to Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite raised serious questions about the team's direction under Ange Postecoglou.

The Ronaldo question remains central to everything at the club. The Portuguese forward scored against Al-Faisaly to reach 982 career goals, keeping his pursuit of 1,000 alive, but the goal itself sparked debate over whether it should have been credited to him at all. His performances have been inconsistent this season, and Saudi media figure Batal Al-Qaws publicly suggested Ronaldo consider a substitute role rather than starting every match. With his contract expiring in June 2027 and reports linking him to a potential ownership stake as Al Nassr prepares for privatisation, his future at the club extends well beyond the pitch.

Next up is a home AFC Champions League Elite fixture against Al-Wasl on Monday, before a league meeting with Al Khulood on 29 October. Both games offer Al Nassr a chance to consolidate their renewed confidence heading into a congested fixture run.