Ronaldo watches on as Al-Nassr open Saudi Pro League title defence with 3-0 win

Al-Nassr made an immediate statement in the opening round of the Saudi Pro League, beating Al-Fateh 3-0 to move to the top of the table on goal difference.

Cristiano Ronaldo watched the match from the stands after being given time off following his wedding ceremony a few days earlier. The fixture was also the first official match in charge for new Al-Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou.

The defending champions took control at Al-Awwal Park in the 36th minute when Angelo produced a superb first-time finish from inside the penalty area.

Joao Felix then doubled Al-Nassr’s advantage with an outstanding individual goal. The Portugal forward weaved past several defenders inside the box before finding the net to put the champions firmly in command.

With 18 minutes remaining, new signing Samu Costa completed the scoring. He drove a low shot into the net from inside the area to secure a convincing opening-day victory.

Al-Nassr’s three points put them at the summit, ahead of Al-Hilal, Al-Ettifaq and the rest of the early-season challengers on goal difference.

Al-Ittihad held by Al-Kholood

Al-Ittihad began their campaign with a draw against Al-Kholood, although the account of the match described the result as goalless before also recording goals for both sides.

The report said Al-Ittihad moved in front three minutes before half-time when Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri rose impressively to score with a header.

Al-Kholood levelled six minutes after the restart through new arrival Julian Dominguez, who also headed home after a sequence of passes created the opportunity.

The teams were therefore listed as finishing the opening round in eighth and ninth place respectively, with one point each at the start of the new season.

Al-Nassr’s emphatic victory gives them the early advantage in the title race, while Al-Ittihad will be left to reflect on a match in which they were unable to turn their lead into three points. The presence of Ronaldo in the stands added attention to a night that also marked the beginning of Postecoglou’s competitive tenure at the club.

The opening round has left Al-Nassr ahead of Al-Hilal and Al-Ettifaq on goal difference, with the defending champions making the strongest initial impression among the teams mentioned.