Ronaldo returns to Al-Nassr starting XI for third-round Al-Ettifaq meeting

Al-Nassr have made two changes to their starting line-up for their Roshn Saudi League match against Al-Ettifaq, with captain Cristiano Ronaldo restored to the side from the beginning.

The team, selected by Australian head coach Ange Postecoglou, was announced ahead of the third-round fixture, with Ronaldo included in the front three alongside Samu Costa and Sadio Mane.

The most notable alteration is Ronaldo’s return to the starting line-up. Abdullah Al-Khaibari and Abdullah Al-Hamdan have both dropped out of the XI after starting Al-Nassr’s previous match against Al-Riyadh.

Bento keeps his place in goal, while Nawaf Boushal, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Inigo Martinez and Salem Al-Najdi make up the defence.

Angelo Gabriel, Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix are named in midfield, with Costa, Ronaldo and Mane forming the attacking line.

Al-Nassr’s starting XI is:

– Goalkeeper: Bento – Defenders: Nawaf Boushal, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Inigo Martinez, Salem Al-Najdi – Midfielders: Angelo Gabriel, Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix – Forwards: Samu Costa, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane

The changes represent a slight adjustment to the side that began the previous league game against Al-Riyadh. Ronaldo’s inclusion from kick-off is the headline decision, while Al-Khaibari and Al-Hamdan are the two players to make way in the starting line-up.

The club published the official team list before the match, accompanying it with a message wishing its players success: “We present the official team list for the match. We wish our stars success, God willing.”

The fixture is being played as part of the third round of the Roshn Saudi League, with Al-Nassr facing Al-Ettifaq in the evening.