Ronaldo Nets Goal, Dons Saudi Scarf as Al-Nassr Overcome Security Delay to Beat Neftchi

Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite fixture in Riyadh was postponed for an hour following a security alert amid renewed Houthi missile attacks.

Cristiano Ronaldo soaked up the adulation at Al-Awwal Park on Monday, scoring Al-Nassr’s second goal and later draping a Saudi scarf around his neck as the hosts secured a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana in the AFC Champions League Elite. The contest began late after Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued a safety warning 15 minutes before the scheduled kick-off, citing a missile threat from Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The capital has been targeted repeatedly in recent days. The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting and destroying two ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh on Monday evening, with residents hearing at least three explosions. Civil Defence alerts sent to mobile phones warned of an aerial threat; the agency later declared the danger had passed. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen including Sanaa, stated their target was King Khalid International Airport. The airport remains closed following a Saturday strike that killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300, and a Sunday attack that left one dead and 11 injured.

Once underway, Al-Nassr shook off the disruption to take the lead in the 33rd minute through Angelo, whose deflected strike found the net. Ronaldo doubled the advantage nine minutes later: Sadio Mané delivered a looping cross from the left that Aiman Yahya cushioned into the Portuguese forward’s path with his chest, and the 41-year-old swiveled to fire a low shot into the bottom corner.

Alisher Odilov pulled one back for Neftchi early in the second half, but the visitors’ challenge collapsed when Ikromjon Alibaev was shown a straight red card for a foul on Mohamed Simakan in the 65th minute. Anvarjon Gofurov then turned the ball into his own net 13 minutes later to seal Al-Nassr’s win.

After the final whistle, Ronaldo and his teammates applauded the home supporters gathered behind the goal. A fan passed a green Saudi scarf to the captain, who waved it overhead before placing it around his neck.

Elsewhere, defending champions Al-Ahli claimed their first victory of the campaign, coming from behind to defeat the UAE’s Al-Wasl 3-1. Roger Ibañez headed the Saudi side in front in the 20th minute, only for Pedro Malheiro to level in first-half stoppage time. Trincão and Feras Al-Brikan struck in the 58th and 91st minutes respectively to secure the three points for Marino Pusić’s men.

“We created chances in the first half too, but in the second half we converted, and I think that was the difference,” said Trincão. “Physically we were a little bit better, and that was the key to changing the game.”

In other West Zone fixtures, Al-Ain routed Air Force Club 4-1 in Basra with a brace from Houssine Rahimi, while Hossein Goudarzi’s 60th-minute goal earned Iran’s Esteghlal a 2-1 win over Al-Gharafa. A last-minute penalty from Dostonbek Khamdamov salvaged a 1-1 draw for Pakhtakor against Brendan Rodgers’ Al-Qadsiah in Tashkent, and Iran’s Tractor were held to a goalless stalemate by Qatar’s Al-Shamal.

The top eight teams from each 16-club league phase in both the East and West regions will advance to the knockout rounds.

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