Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved decisive for Al Nassr as the Saudi Arabian giants came from behind to defeat Al Taawoun 2-1 on Friday, August 28, 2026, maintaining their perfect start to the new Saudi Pro League season.
The victory was far from straightforward for Ange Postecoglou’s side, who were forced to recover from an early setback before eventually turning the game around at Al-Awwal Park. Ronaldo’s second-half intervention ultimately settled a competitive encounter and moved his remarkable career tally to 978 goals.
Al Taawoun made the brighter start and stunned the home supporters in the 10th/11th minute. Younes El Bahraoui created the opening with a powerful effort from outside the box that struck the crossbar. The rebound fell dangerously inside the six-yard area, allowing Bassam Al Hurayji to react quickest and put Al Taawoun ahead.
The goal exposed some early defensive uncertainty from Al Nassr, who struggled to establish control in the opening stages. However, the hosts gradually increased the pressure as Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman became increasingly influential in the attacking areas.
Al Nassr pushed aggressively for an equaliser before half-time, with Coman repeatedly looking to deliver dangerous balls into the penalty area. Ronaldo also had a clear opportunity but was unable to convert, leaving the Portuguese superstar visibly frustrated as the first half approached its conclusion.
The pressure finally paid off in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time. Mané produced an important piece of attacking play down the left before finding Samú Costa around the edge of the penalty area. Costa controlled the opportunity and fired a left-footed effort toward the near post, beating goalkeeper Mailson to make it 1-1 just before the interval.
The momentum completely shifted after the restart, and Al Nassr wasted little time completing the comeback.
Five minutes into the second half, João Félix helped initiate a dangerous move down the left before the ball eventually reached Mohamed Simakan around the edge of the Al Taawoun penalty area. Simakan’s goal-bound effort appeared destined for the bottom corner, but Ronaldo instinctively moved into its path and produced a subtle touch from close range to redirect the ball beyond Mailson.
The goal, officially recorded in the 50th minute by ESPN, sent Al-Awwal Park into celebration and completed Al Nassr’s turnaround.
Al Taawoun attempted to respond, producing several attacking spells as they searched for a second equaliser, but Al Nassr were able to manage the game more effectively after taking the lead. Postecoglou’s players slowed the tempo when necessary and protected their advantage, while Mané continued to provide a major threat with his ability to carry the ball forward and break defensive lines.
The match also produced several disciplinary moments, although it did not descend into the kind of confrontation seen in some of Al Nassr’s previous games. Salem Al Najdi was booked in the 19th minute for Al Nassr, while Al Taawoun’s Marin Petkov received a yellow card in the 74th minute. João Félix was also cautioned in stoppage time.
Ronaldo’s winning goal was especially significant because it took his official career total to 978, leaving him just 22 goals away from the extraordinary 1,000-goal milestone. It was also another reminder of his ability to influence matches even when he is not heavily involved for long periods.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Al Nassr, their fourth consecutive win of the Saudi Pro League campaign. The result leaves Postecoglou’s team with a perfect record of 12 points from four matches and at the top of the table, while Al Taawoun remain on two points after four games.
For Al Nassr, the biggest takeaway was not simply another three points, but the character shown after falling behind. For Ronaldo, it was another decisive moment in an already extraordinary career. At 41, the Portuguese forward continues to produce when his team needs him most, and his latest winner has kept Al Nassr’s perfect league start alive while moving him another step closer to the 1,000-goal landmark.
