Al-Nassr have now trailed in back-to-back Saudi Pro League matches and won both. That pattern, more than the 2-1 scoreline itself, is becoming the defining story of Ange Postecoglou’s early title defense.

The reigning champions fell behind at Al-Awwal Park on Friday night, just as they had four days earlier against Al-Ettifaq, before goals from Samu Costa and Cristiano Ronaldo turned the match around. The 2-1 win over Al-Taawoun keeps Al-Nassr on maximum points, four wins from four, and sends an early signal that this squad can win ugly as well as comfortably.

A Familiar Script: Fall Behind, Fight Back

Bassam Al-Hurayji put Al-Taawoun ahead in the 11th minute, pouncing on the rebound after Mohammed Al-Aqel’s shot cannoned off the crossbar via a deflection from goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, who started in place of the suspended Bento. It was a sharp finish from close range and, for a spell, it looked like Al-Nassr’s perfect start might be under genuine threat.

The hosts pushed for an equalizer through Sadio Mane, who repeatedly tested Al-Taawoun goalkeeper Mailson down the left. The breakthrough finally came in first-half stoppage time. Mane laid the ball off to Samu Costa just outside the box, and the Portuguese midfielder struck it first time past Mailson to send Al-Awwal Park into relief rather than celebration. It was the kind of goal that changes the emotional temperature of a match without changing the underlying tension.

Ronaldo WINS The GAME! | Al Nassr vs Al Taawoun 2-1 | Extended Highlights

Five minutes into the second half, that tension broke. Mohammed Simakan’s shot from distance looked destined for goal on its own, but Ronaldo made certain of it, diverting the ball into the roof of the net from close range. It was his second Saudi Pro League goal of the campaign and, notably, the 978th of his senior career, a number that keeps ticking toward football’s most-discussed individual milestone.

Postecoglou’s Comeback Pattern

This is now a habit rather than a one-off. On Tuesday, Al-Nassr went down 2-0 to Al-Ettifaq, were reduced to 10 men, and still won 3-2 with three goals in the final 16 minutes. Ronaldo was substituted at halftime in that match after playing 30 minutes in the season opener and roughly 45 in the second, part of what Postecoglou has described as a managed reintegration after limited preseason preparation. Against Al-Taawoun, the 41-year-old played the full 90 minutes for the first time this season.

Two comebacks in four days says something about squad depth and mentality under Postecoglou, but it also raises a fair tactical question. Al-Nassr have now conceded first in consecutive matches against sides they were expected to beat comfortably. For a team with genuine Asian Champions League and title ambitions, defensive solidity in the opening exchanges is likely to be the next thing under scrutiny, even with four wins from four on the board.

Al-Hilal Keep the Pressure On

Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal made their statement in Dammam, beating Al-Khaleej 5-1 at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium with a first-half performance that settled the contest before the break. Mohammed Meite headed Al-Hilal in front after 15 minutes from a Sergej Milinkovic-Savic assist, before Milinkovic-Savic doubled the lead himself just before the half-hour mark.

Al-Khaleej briefly threatened a way back through Saleh Al-Amri on 38 minutes, but Al-Hilal responded immediately. Theo Hernandez restored the two-goal cushion with a trademark left-footed finish in the 40th minute, and Crysencio Summerville added a third three minutes later, his first league goal since arriving from West Ham this summer. Sultan Mandash completed the scoring in stoppage time to make it 5-1 at the break, with Musa Barrow missing a second-half penalty for the hosts in what became a formality of a second period.

Simone Inzaghi’s side sit second on nine points from three games, three behind Al-Nassr but with a match in hand. That game in hand matters. If Al-Hilal win it, the gap at the top could close to zero inside a fortnight, setting up an early litmus test for both clubs before the Riyadh derby calendar even arrives.

Elsewhere in Round Four

Al-Riyadh edged past visiting Neom 1-0 courtesy of a Teddy Okou goal shortly after the hour, moving the capital club to 12th on four points. Neom sit seventh on six points from four games.

Al-Fayha picked up their first win of the season, beating bottom-placed Abha 3-2 at home. After collecting only one point from their opening three fixtures, the result lifts them to 11th, ahead of Al-Riyadh on goal difference alone.

What’s Next for Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr’s next assignment is arguably their sternest yet: a trip to face Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad on September 5. Ronaldo’s continued involvement in that match, and whether Postecoglou again manages his minutes, will shape how seriously the “comeback kings” narrative holds up against a side capable of imposing itself for a full 90 minutes rather than a half.

For now, four wins from four is four wins from four, however they arrived. In a title race that already includes Al-Hilal’s game in hand, points banked matter more than the manner in which they were won.

FAQ

Who scored for Al-Nassr against Al-Taawoun?
Samu Costa equalized in first-half stoppage time and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner five minutes into the second half, his 978th career goal and second of the Saudi Pro League season.

What is Al-Nassr’s record after four Saudi Pro League matches?
Al-Nassr have won all four of their opening matches, sitting top of the table on 12 points.

How many points do Al-Nassr lead Al-Hilal by?
Al-Nassr lead second-placed Al-Hilal by three points, though Al-Hilal have played one fewer game after their 5-1 win over Al-Khaleej.

Who does Al-Nassr play next in the Saudi Pro League?
Al-Nassr travel to face Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad on September 5, 2026.

Did Cristiano Ronaldo play the full match against Al-Taawoun?
Yes, Ronaldo played all 90 minutes, his first full match of the season after being managed to roughly a half in each of the opening two games.