Felix on fire, Costa celebrates, Ronaldo revels: Postecoglou's Al Nassr debut dazzles
Ange Postecoglou’s opening night proved a huge hit.
His new Al Nassr kickstarted their first Roshn Saudi League title defence in seven years with a dominant display at home to Al Fateh, the champions vanquishing the visitors to Al Awwal Park 3-0 on Saturday night.
Joao Felix actually began proceedings pre-match, in fact, the Portugal international accepting his award for 2025-26 SPL Player of the Season. He later underlined it with possibly the goal of the debut round of the 2026-27 campaign.
Before that, Angelo set Al Nassr on their way, the Brazilian reborn last season sustaining that form into this. He was justifiably voted Man of the Match afterwards.
Moment of the match, though? If not Felix’s fabulous effort, then Samu Costa announcing his Al Nassr arrival with his team’s third goal.
Having signed for the Riyadh giants on Wednesday, the former RCD Mallorca midfielder needed only seven minutes to make his mark, flashing home a rebound.
However, the cherry on top of Postecoglou’s cake was, arguably, that it was all achieved without captain and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Given some extra time to get up to speed following 2026 FIFA World Cup and personal commitments, Ronaldo was still there in both person and spirit – albeit up in the stands.
Still, he celebrated every Al Nassr goal with gusto, flashed wide his smile and waved to the crowd when shown alongside family on the big screen. Like the 16,000-plus at Al Awwal Park, he clearly liked what he saw.
Postecoglou, Jorge Jesus’ replacement last month, did too.
“It was a good game for us,” the former Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur manager said. “It's always difficult, first game of any new season.
“With a preseason we had, and players coming in at different times, maybe we weren't 100 percent ready, but the player's attitude and the commitment they had was fantastic.”
In particular, Postecoglou praised substitutes Salem Al Najdi and Sami Al Najei, while he paid tribute also to Costa, whose impact was immediate after landing in the Kingdom midweek.
“As I said, today for us, I don't think we were 100% ready,” Postecoglou said. “I don't think it's about what's missing today. When you prepare a team for a season - some of our players have not played more than one friendly game - so when your players give the maximum, there is nothing missing.
“For me, they gave everything they could today. But I know there's more; I know there’s another level, maybe two levels, to come. When they get fitness levels up, play some more matches, find some rhythm, you'll see we will improve. Salem was fantastic today. But I trust all my players.
"We scored three very good goals. We created many good opportunities, but our players will get better. All our players still need time. But for me, today, they gave everything. And as a coach, that's all you can ask for.”
Such is Ronaldo’s reputation, that Postecoglou was predictably asked when the two-time RSL golden boot would return. Chiefly, is he under consideration for Diriyah Club, in the King’s Cup last 32 on Tuesday?
“Cristiano was here today too,” Postecoglou smiled. “Cristiano is always there. On the pitch, I don't know.
“Most important now is recovery because we have only two days’ rest. Diriyah have four days’ rest. So we need our players to recover and then I'll make my decision about the team.”
