Al Nassr secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Al Ettifaq, despite being 2-0 down at half-time and playing with ten men for over 75 minutes after goalkeeper Bento received a red card. Star forward Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly furious when substituted at half-time, throwing his captain's armband as he left the pitch. Coach Ange Postecoglou justified the decision, explaining that Ronaldo, who had not played much recently, needed to be withdrawn to allow for a different tactical approach given the team's numerical disadvantage. Sadio Mane scored a crucial brace, complementing Abdulelah Al Amri's equalizer, to complete the turnaround. This result maintains Al Nassr's perfect record under Postecoglou, placing them at the top of the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo's appearance marked his first start and second game of the season.
