Al Nassr’s 2025-26 Saudi Pro League campaign could hardly have started with more flair, confidence, or fireworks. Under the fresh guidance of head coach Jorge Jesus, the Riyadh-based giants delivered a statement 5-0 victory over Al Taawoun at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Buraidah on August 29, 2025. The win not only marked a new tactical era for Al Nassr but also showcased the seamless integration of high-profile summer signings and the enduring influence of their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo.
After a disappointing defeat to Al Ahli in the Saudi Super Cup final, the pressure was on Jorge Jesus and his revamped squad to bounce back. Jesus, recently appointed on a one-year contract after previous spells at Al Hilal, wasted no time stamping his philosophy on the team. The result? A dominant display built on high pressing, dynamic movement, and a front four that looked positively electric from the opening whistle. As the match kicked off at 9:00 PM local time, anticipation buzzed around the stadium and among fans watching around the globe.
The first major talking point arrived in just the 7th minute. Joao Felix, one of three marquee summer signings making their league debut for Al Nassr (alongside Kingsley Coman and Inigo Martinez), quickly justified the hype. A sweeping move saw Angelo find space on the wing, sending in a low ball that Felix deftly finished into the far corner. "Lovely sweeping move by Al Nassr to cut through the Al Taawoun press, and Angelo finds himself in space on the wing. He plays in a low ball, and Joao Felix finds the right corner with a low, sleeping finish!" reported Sportstar. The early goal set the tone for a night that belonged to the Portuguese forward.
Al Nassr’s midfield, anchored by Marcelo Brozovic and Angelo, soon asserted control, dictating the tempo and starving Al Taawoun of meaningful possession. Mohamed Simakan, another key figure, marshaled the defense with authority, ensuring that Al Nassr’s high line was rarely breached. When Al Taawoun did manage to threaten, goalkeeper Al Aqidi was alert—his sharp reflex save after a period of high pressure in the second half a testament to the team’s collective focus.
The first half ended with Al Nassr holding a slim 1-0 lead, but the sense was that more goals were inevitable. And so it proved. The second half began with a flurry of activity, as Al Nassr’s attacking quartet—Ronaldo, Felix, Coman, and Sadio Mane—pushed relentlessly for a second. Their efforts paid off in the 54th minute, when a handball by Al Taawoun defender Waleed Al-Ahmed handed Al Nassr a penalty. Cristiano Ronaldo, ever the man for the moment, stepped up and coolly slotted the ball past Abdulquddus Atiah to double the lead. "Was it ever in doubt? Cristiano Ronaldo rolls the ball along the floor and sends the keeper the wrong way to double the Al Nassr lead!" the live commentary enthused.
Within a minute, the floodgates opened. Kingsley Coman, who had been a constant menace down the right, latched onto a long ball and, spotting the keeper off his line, executed a looping header to make it 3-0. The Frenchman’s debut couldn’t have been scripted better, as he combined defensive discipline with attacking flair throughout the night.
Joao Felix wasn’t done yet. In the 67th minute, he struck again—this time with a thunderous shot from the edge of the box after a clever layoff from Sadio Mane. "SCREAMER! What a hit from Joao Felix! The Al Nassr debutant has a second!" echoed the excitement from the stands and online. Felix’s movement and instinctive finishing gave Al Taawoun’s defenders nightmares all evening, but the crowning moment came in the 87th minute. After a chaotic sequence in the box, Ronaldo’s deflected shot hit the bar, and Felix pounced. His effort seemed to be blocked on the line, but technology confirmed the ball had crossed, sealing his hat trick. "Bizarre stuff, but Joao Felix has his third. The referee bails him out by pointing to his watch as the ball has just snuck over the line by the barest of margins. He has three, but only just!"
Felix’s hat trick on debut instantly made him the toast of the town, and his chemistry with Ronaldo was evident. While Ronaldo found the net just once, his movement and experience opened up space for Felix to exploit. As noted in post-match analysis, "Ronaldo’s presence helped create space for Joao Felix, despite Ronaldo scoring only once in the match." The veteran’s ability to draw defenders and orchestrate attacks remains invaluable, even as new stars emerge around him.
Al Nassr’s tactical transformation under Jorge Jesus was clear. The high pressing game, a departure from the more conservative approaches of previous managers, suffocated Al Taawoun’s attempts to build from the back. Angelo and Brozovic’s partnership in midfield ensured a steady supply of chances, while Simakan’s leadership at the back provided security. The front four’s interplay—particularly between Coman, Mane, Felix, and Ronaldo—suggests that Al Nassr will be a force to be reckoned with this season.
The victory was also a personal milestone for Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently became the first player to score 100 goals for four different clubs—Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al Nassr. His leadership remains a cornerstone for the team, both on and off the pitch. The new manager, Jorge Jesus, seems intent on maximizing Ronaldo’s strengths while nurturing the next generation of stars like Felix and Coman.
Al Nassr’s supporters will be buzzing about this performance for weeks to come. The 5-0 scoreline not only delivers a psychological blow to their rivals but also serves notice that the club’s ambitious summer overhaul is already bearing fruit. The chemistry between the new signings and established stars was evident, and the tactical shift under Jesus promises more high-octane football as the season progresses.
Looking ahead, Al Nassr will have a brief pause for the international break before returning to action against Al Kholood on September 14. With confidence sky-high and the squad gelling quicker than many expected, expectations for a serious title challenge are mounting. Can this be the year Ronaldo finally leads Al Nassr to Saudi Pro League glory? If opening night was any indication, the rest of the league has been put on notice.
As the lights dimmed in Buraidah, Al Nassr left the pitch with heads held high and a message sent: this is a team with both the talent and tactical clarity to chase the ultimate prize. The season is young, but the signs couldn’t be brighter for Jorge Jesus and his men.
