Postecoglou praises Ronaldo impact as Al Nassr extend record with win over Al Riyadh

Ange Postecoglou praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s contribution after the forward marked his return to action with a goal in Al Nassr’s 4-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al Riyadh.

The result gave Al Nassr their second win of the season in the competition, with the four goals coming from Abdulelah Al-Amri, Angelo, Joao Felix and Ronaldo.

Ronaldo made his first appearance of the current campaign during the match and scored his first goal of the season. The 30-minute outing was welcomed by Postecoglou, who said the forward needed time to regain his rhythm after being occupied during the team’s preparation period.

“Ronaldo’s first appearance? It is important that he takes his time to return,” said the Al Nassr manager at a news conference. “He was busy during the team’s preparation period, and his mentality always wants to play. It was great for him to play 30 minutes and score a goal. He did everything possible.”

The victory also saw Al Nassr strengthen a remarkable scoring record in the Saudi Pro League. They have now scored against Al Riyadh in 89 consecutive league matches, giving them the longest run of scoring in successive games in the competition’s history.

That sequence moved Al Nassr beyond the previous record of 88 consecutive matches, held by Al Hilal.

Postecoglou also explained a gesture he made after Abdulelah Al-Amri scored from a corner. The Australian said he had congratulated English assistant coach Paul Nevin because Nevin and Tony, the goalkeeping coach, are responsible for the team’s set-piece work.

“I congratulated the Englishman Paul Nevin, the assistant coach, after the defender Abdulelah Al-Amri scored from a corner, because he and Tony, the goalkeeping coach, specialise in set-pieces,” Postecoglou said. “They have worked hard to make us a strong team at them, and it is great to take advantage of them during matches.”

Mohamed Salah? No. The Egypt international who started for Al Riyadh was Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, who was named in the club’s starting line-up.

Postecoglou said Mohamed Simakan’s absence was not due to injury. Instead, he described the decision as part of a planned rotation strategy designed to manage the squad and give other players an opportunity.

“The injury was not the reason for Simakan’s absence against Al Riyadh,” he said. “We tried to be clever, and it made sense to give some players the chance and rest others. Simakan, Saad Al-Nasser and Simo Costa will be available for the next match.”

Al Nassr’s emphatic win combined Ronaldo’s return, a set-piece goal and a new scoring milestone as Postecoglou’s side opened the season with two victories from their first two Saudi Pro League fixtures.