26.08.2026 18:31
In the 3rd week of the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr defeated Al Ettifaq 3-2 away, having trailed 2-0 at halftime. Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who received a red card early in the match and gave an ineffective performance, was substituted at halftime. The Saudi press commented on the spectacular comeback and Ronaldo's substitution, saying, 'So the problem was Cristiano Ronaldo! When he left, the team found itself.'
In the 3rd week of the Saudi Pro League, football fans witnessed a breathtaking match. Al Nassr, facing Al Ettifaq away, made a historic comeback and won 3-2 despite being reduced to 10 men and trailing 2-0 at halftime.
NIGHTMARE IN THE FIRST HALF
Al Nassr, the visiting team, had a nightmare start as goalkeeper Bento was shown a direct red card in the 11th minute, leaving his team with 10 men. Playing with a man disadvantage, Al Nassr conceded goals to Ondrej Duda in the 30th minute and Alvaro Medran in the 45+2nd minute, going into the locker room 2-0 down. Portuguese world star Cristiano Ronaldo, who had a lackluster and ineffective first half, fell well below expectations.
RONALDO SUBBED OFF, THE MATCH TURNED
The coaching staff made a radical decision at the start of the second half, substituting the ineffective Cristiano Ronaldo. With Ronaldo off, the 10-man Al Nassr became much more dynamic in attack, effectively laying siege to their opponents. Sadio Mane pulled one back in the 74th minute, and Abdulillah al-Amri equalized in the 76th minute. In the 90+1st minute, Sadio Mane struck again, scoring the goal that sealed the magnificent comeback and secured a 3-2 victory for his team.
"IT SEEMS THE PROBLEM WAS RONALDO!"
Following the match, the Saudi press led with Al Nassr's miraculous comeback with 10 men and Cristiano Ronaldo being substituted at halftime. The local media, highlighting Ronaldo's sluggish performance on the pitch, noted that the team found its rhythm after the Portuguese star was taken off, stating, "It seems the problem was Cristiano Ronaldo! Once he came off, the team was liberated, found its true identity, and came to life."