Dammam, Aug 26 (V7N)- Sadio Mane's brace helped Al Nassr complete a remarkable comeback against Al Ettifaq, securing a 3-2 victory despite playing with 10 men for most of the match.

The victory came in the third round of the Saudi Pro League, with Cristiano Ronaldo's side overcoming a two-goal deficit after goalkeeper Bento was sent off in the 12th minute.

Al Nassr started the match on the front foot but soon lost control of the game. Their situation worsened in the 12th minute when Bento came off his line and fouled Al Ettifaq forward Moussa Dembele. The referee immediately showed him a straight red card.

Al Nassr were forced into a change, with young goalkeeper Abdur Rahman Al-Otaibi coming on for Angelo.

Playing with an extra man, Al Ettifaq continued to put pressure on their opponents. Their efforts paid off in the 31st minute when Doda found the net with a fine strike from the edge of the box to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Al Ettifaq doubled their advantage just before halftime. In the third minute of added time, Alvaro Medran scored from outside the box after receiving a pass from Yasser Al-Shammari, sending the hosts into the break with a 2-0 lead.

Al Nassr returned for the second half determined to fight back. Coach brought Cristiano Ronaldo onto the field, while Abdullah Al-Khaibari was substituted.

Al Nassr came close to reducing the deficit when Inigo Martinez struck the post in the 53rd minute. Joao Felix also saw an attempt denied by the Al Ettifaq goalkeeper.

The comeback finally began in the 74th minute. Sadio Mane received a pass from Joao Felix inside the box before producing a fine right-footed finish at the far post to make it 2-1.

Just three minutes later, Al Nassr completed the comeback. Abdullah Al-Amri headed the ball into the net from close range following Joao Felix's corner, making it 2-2.

The 10-man Al Nassr continued attacking in search of a winner. After several attempts were stopped, the decisive moment arrived in the 90th minute.

Sami Al-Najee launched a quick counterattack and found Mane, who unleashed a powerful strike from the middle of the box to score his second goal of the night and put Al Nassr ahead 3-2.

Al Ettifaq could not find another equalizer as Al Nassr held on for a dramatic victory.

With three wins from three matches, Al Nassr moved to nine points and temporarily climbed to the top of the Saudi Pro League table. Al Ettifaq remain sixth with six points.

END/SMA/AJ