{
  "id": 3498275,
  "title": "Why I substituted Ronaldo at half-time – Postecoglou",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/why-i-substituted-ronaldo-at-half-time-postecoglou",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-26T11:42:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/why-i-substituted-ronaldo-at-half-time-postecoglou/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Al-Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou revealed the reasoning behind his decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time during the team's dramatic comeback win over Al-Ettifaq. Ronaldo, who was making his first start since the World Cup at 41, was substituted with Al-Nassr trailing 2-0 and playing with 10 men. Ronaldo appeared frustrated as he left the pitch, gesturing towards the bench. Despite this, Postecoglou's substitution proved to be a wise move as Al-Nassr staged a remarkable second-half comeback. Sadio Mane and Abdulelah Al Amri scored within three minutes to level the match, and Mane scored again in added time to secure a 3-2 victory for the defending Saudi Pro League champions. Postecoglou explained that he believed the players brought on at half-time could make a greater impact under the circumstances. He praised every substitute for contributing positively to the comeback, stating, \"I'm proud of them because every substitute made a positive contribution.\" Postecoglou also acknowledged Ronaldo's exceptional performance in the first half, despite choosing to substitute him. The victory kept Al-Nassr's perfect start to the season intact, with three wins from three matches and placing them at the top of the Saudi Pro League table. Postecoglou, who took charge of Al-Nassr last month, previously managed Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest. For Ronaldo, the match represented a possible final season of his playing career, as he is likely to retire after the campaign to spend more time with his family.",
  "summary": "Al-Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou explains his decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time during their dramatic comeback win. Read More: https://punchng.com/why-i-substituted-ronaldo-at-half-time-postecoglou/",
  "key_points": [
    "Postecoglou substituted Ronaldo at half-time, trailing 2-0.",
    "Ronaldo, 41, frustrated, gestured towards bench post-substitution.",
    "Al-Nassr's substitutes scored 3 goals, securing 3-2 victory."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Why I substituted Ronaldo at half-time – Postecoglou",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/why-i-substituted-ronaldo-at-half-time-postecoglou-3499856",
        "published": "2026-08-26T11:50:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}