POSTECOGLOU EXPLAINS BOLD DECISION TO REMOVE RONALDO AT HALF-TIME

Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou has explained his decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time during the club’s dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League. The decision came as Al Nassr trailed by two goals and were already playing with 10 men.

Ronaldo had started the match but was replaced at the interval by midfielder Abdullah Al-Khaibari. The Portuguese forward appeared visibly frustrated as he left the pitch, having seen his team fall behind after goalkeeper Bento was sent off early in the first half.

Postecoglou, however, said the decision was based on the team's tactical needs rather than Ronaldo's individual performance. The Australian manager explained that the 41-year-old had not played much football recently and that he believed a different approach was necessary for the second half.

The tactical adjustment ultimately paid off as Al Nassr produced a remarkable comeback despite their numerical disadvantage. Sadio Mané scored twice, while Abdulelah Al-Amri added another goal to complete the turnaround and secure all three points for Postecoglou's side.

Postecoglou also praised his substitutes and the determination shown by his players in difficult conditions. He said the team demonstrated courage to recover from two goals down while playing a man short, with the victory maintaining Al Nassr's perfect start under his management.

The result also underlined Postecoglou's willingness to make major tactical decisions regardless of a player's reputation. Ronaldo is expected to continue working towards full match fitness and could feature again when Al Nassr face Al Taawoun in their next league fixture.