Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 981st career goal as Al-Nassr beat Neftchi Fergana 3-1 in the Asian Champions League Elite on Monday, in a match delayed by an hour after a security alert in Riyadh.
The 41-year-old struck shortly before half-time to give Al-Nassr a two-goal lead after Angelo Gabriel had opened the scoring just beyond the half-hour mark. Neftchi Fergana reduced the deficit through Alisher Odilov after the interval, but an own goal restored the Saudi club’s two-goal advantage.
The result gave Al-Nassr and their head coach, Ange Postecoglou, their first win in this season’s competition. They had opened their campaign with a 4-0 defeat by Al Ain on 15 September.
Kick-off at Al-Awwal Park was postponed after Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued a security alert. A coalition had reported intercepting and destroying two ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh by Houthi rebels on Monday. At least three explosions were heard in the city that night, while a sparse crowd remained in the stadium as the teams waited to play.
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have claimed a series of recent missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. Strikes on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport over the weekend killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300.
Ronaldo’s goal was his 134th for Al-Nassr since joining the club in January 2023. It also came after a difficult international break with Portugal, after he left the squad early following a disagreement with the coach, Jorge Jesus, over playing time.
Ronaldo later apologised to his teammates and supporters, admitting that he should not have left the national team camp. He also called on the Portuguese Football Federation to punish him for his actions.
The federation confirmed on Saturday that disciplinary proceedings had been opened against the forward. The case has been referred to its Disciplinary Investigation Commission.
