Al-Nassr comeback against Al-Ettifaq with 10 men, Ronaldo substituted at halftime
Al-Nassr achieved an impressive comeback, defeating Al-Ettifaq 3-2 away in a match from the third round of the Saudi Pro League. The Riyadh-based team played almost the entire match with 10 players, and captain Cristiano Ronaldo was tactically substituted after the first half.
Goalkeeper Bento received a straight red card in the 12th minute, leaving the visitors in a difficult situation. Al-Ettifaq took advantage of their numerical superiority and led by two goals by the break.
Ondrej Duda opened the scoring in the 31st minute, and Alvaro Medran doubled the hosts' lead in first-half stoppage time. Al-Nassr went into the dressing room trailing 0-2 and with one player fewer on the pitch.
Ronaldo left the pitch after the first 45 minutes
Cristiano Ronaldo did not return for the second half. The Al-Nassr coach made a change at halftime, with the Portuguese player replaced by Abdullah Al-Khaibari in an attempt to strengthen the team's play in midfield and defense.
Ronaldo was visibly frustrated after the end of the first half. Cameras captured him reacting emotionally on his way to the dressing room, looking for a different approach from his teammates.
The coaching staff's decision proved to be tactical. Manager Ange Postecoglou explained after the match: "When I made the substitutions, including taking off Ronaldo, I believed the players coming on could make an impact."
Mané brought the victory at the end
Al-Nassr remained without their captain but found the strength to get back into the match. Sadio Mané reduced the deficit in the 74th minute, and just three minutes later, Abdulelah Al-Amri equalized to make it 2-2.
Joao Felix played a key role in both goals, recording assists. Thus, the visitors erased a two-goal deficit, even though they played with one man fewer from the beginning of the match.
Mané completed his brace in the 90th minute and secured the 3-2 win. The Senegalese striker was on target earlier in the second half as well, but his goal in the 53rd minute was disallowed after a VAR intervention for offside.
Al-Nassr continues without a mistake
After their third consecutive victory, Al-Nassr has collected a full haul of 9 points. Al-Ettifaq suffered their first defeat of the season, having previously recorded two consecutive wins.
Al-Ettifaq remains in sixth place with 6 points. Al-Nassr confirmed their strong start in the championship with a comeback achieved under one of the most difficult possible circumstances.