Postecoglou defends Ronaldo substitution in AlNassr comeback win

AlNassr manager Ange Postecoglou defended his decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo at halftime during a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over AlEttifaq in the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The win maintained AlNassr's perfect start to the season, moving them to the top of the table with three wins from three matches. The match began poorly for the defending champions when goalkeeper Bento was sent off in the 12th minute for a challenge on Moussa Dembele. AlEttifaq capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Ondrej Duda and Alvaro Medran scoring to establish a 2-0 lead by halftime.