Cristiano Ronaldo posts 3-word message after being subbed at half-time

The legend took to social media.

Despite being a defensive midfielder, Abdullah Al-Khaibari replaced the legend Ronaldo, with the side 2-0 down at the interval. The reason was clear though, Al-Nassr were down to 10-men following the sending off of goalkeeper Bento in the 12th minute, and balance in the side needed to be restored.

In the fourth minute of stoppage time, it looked like the match had been sealed, after Al-Ettifaq's Alvaro Medran doubled the lead.

As Ronaldo headed back to the dressing room, he cut a hugely disappointed figure, throwing the captain's armband to the floor.

Then to much surprise, Ronaldo didn't emerge for the second half. With this tactical tweak by the gaffer though, Al Nassr worked second-half wonders. Despite 10-men and time against them, the Saudi Pro League side launched an almighty comeback, winning 3-2 courtesy of Sadio Mane's 90th minute winner.

Postecoglou sent on Sami Al Najei and Abdullah Al-Hamdan with just over 20 minutes on the clock, with Joao Felix assisting Mane for the first goal in the 74th minute.

Abdulelah Al-Amri then netted an equaliser three minutes after, before Mane completed the sensational comeback with the time ticking.

Speaking on the comeback post-match, Postecoglou said: "When I made the substitutions, including taking Ronaldo off, I believed the players coming on could make an impact.

“I came here to help the players, so as I said, I’m proud of them because every substitute made a positive contribution.”

Ronaldo then reacted on social media, taking the substitution well:  “What a comeback!”

An Al Nassr fanpage stated post-match that Ronaldo is simply working his way back to full match fitness.