Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus has openly acknowledged that his team cannot match the financial muscle of Saudi Pro League rivals Al Hilal and must instead rely on structure, cohesion and resilience to stay in the title race.

Speaking after a 2-0 win away to Al Fateh, Jesus framed the result as part of a broader struggle against a rival backed by greater spending power. The match also marked the return of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who had sat out the previous two league games in protest over what he viewed as insufficient transfer backing for Al Nassr compared with Al Hilal.

Ronaldo’s frustration centres on the level of support from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, which has heavily financed several leading clubs. While Al Hilal have been able to attract marquee names and deepen an already star-studded squad, Al Nassr’s recruitment has been more constrained, sharpening the sense of imbalance at the top of the league.

Jesus is uniquely placed to judge that gap. The Portuguese coach previously managed Al Hilal, winning the league, the Saudi Kings Cup and the Super Cup in a dominant spell. He admits he once benefited from the same financial advantages he now competes against.

“I’ve been on the other side, so I know what that’s like,” he said. “They have more economic power. When I was there, I benefited as a coach. It’s normal. Al Nassr, with different resources, has to compete for the top spots. We have to continue to be strong.”

Jesus was hired by Al Nassr with a clear mandate: close the gap to Al Hilal in both trophies and points. He argues that progress is visible, pointing to a more balanced squad and a growing off-field structure designed to maximise every resource the club does have.

Ronaldo, now 41, has yet to lift a major trophy with Al Nassr since arriving from Manchester United, but his individual output has been relentless. He has finished as the league’s top scorer in each of the past two seasons and is again among the leading marksmen, keeping Al Nassr firmly in contention.

Al Nassr sit second in the table, just one point behind Al Hilal. For Jesus, that narrow margin is proof that organisation and belief can still challenge raw spending power. “We are confident that we can compete for the top spots until the end,” he said.