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. Ronaldo, 41, making his first start since the World Cup, appeared frustrated as he left the pitch at the break, spreading his arms in a questioning gesture toward the bench.

Postecoglou opted to withdraw Ronaldo in favor of AlKhaibari, a tactical change he said was designed to protect his captain's fitness and introduce players who could make a greater impact under the difficult circumstances. "When I made the substitutions, including taking Ronaldo off, I believed the players coming on could make an impact," Postecoglou told journalists after the match. "I came here to help the...