Ronaldo marks return with goal as Al Nassr move top of Roshn Saudi League

Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his return to action as Al Nassr beat Al Riyadh 4-0, with manager Ange Postecoglou saying the Portugal forward “did everything possible” during a 30-minute appearance.

Ronaldo came off the bench for the first time this season and needed only 21 minutes to score his first goal of the campaign. He completed Al Nassr’s victory in the 83rd minute, converting a low cross from Ayman Yahya with his left foot.

The win at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in the Saudi capital took Al Nassr to six points from their opening two matches. They moved to the top of the Roshn Saudi League on goal difference, with Al Hilal dropping to second place.

Postecoglou said Ronaldo remains eager to play whenever possible but stressed that the 39-year-old needed time to return after being heavily involved during the preparation period.

“Cristiano Ronaldo wants to play all the time, but it is important that he takes his time to come back, as he was busy during the preparation period,” Postecoglou said at his post-match news conference, as reported by the Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiah.

“It is great that he scored a goal during 30 minutes of play. He did everything possible.”

Ronaldo’s late contribution completed a dominant result for the visitors, who had already established control before his introduction. Abdulilah Al-Amri opened the scoring in the 18th minute when he headed or redirected a delivery from Brazilian winger Angelo, who sent the ball into the area from a corner.

Postecoglou also highlighted the work of a member of his coaching staff who had played an important role in preparing Al Nassr for the set-piece routine.

“I congratulated Paul Nevin after Abdulilah Al-Amri’s goal because he specialises with Toni, the goalkeeping coach, in set-pieces,” said Postecoglou.

“They have worked hard to make us a strong team in this area, and it is great to make use of set-pieces in matches.”

The Australian manager also acknowledged the physical demands placed on his squad at the start of the season. Al Nassr have played three matches in six days, a schedule Postecoglou described as a significant test for his players.

“Playing three matches in six days is a challenge for us, and I congratulate the players on achieving victories in all of them,” he said.

“They are tired and are not as ready as they were in previous matches, but they never stopped and they pleased me with the quality of their play.”

Al Nassr’s second successive league victory leaves them level on points with Al Hilal but ahead on goal difference. Ronaldo’s goal provided the most prominent moment of the latest win, while the coaching staff’s set-piece work helped establish the platform for the result.