Ronaldo scores as Al-Nassr win delayed Champions League tie 3-1
Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Al-Nassr beat Uzbekistan's Neftchi Fergana 3-1 in Asia's top club competition after a missile alert delayed kick-off by an hour in Riyadh.
The AFC Champions League Elite tie, the continent's equivalent of the Champions League in Europe, was due to start on Monday night at Al-Awwal Park. Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence issued a safety warning 15 minutes before the scheduled start, and the kick-off was put back by an hour, according to BBC Sport.
The Saudi-led military coalition later said a ballistic missile had been intercepted and destroyed. No one inside the stadium was hurt. The crowd that eventually watched the game was sparse.
When the football started, Al-Nassr settled first. Angelo, the Brazilian winger, opened the scoring in the 33rd minute. Ronaldo added the second before half-time to make it 2-0.
Neftchi stayed in the fight after the break. Then the game turned again. The visitors were reduced to 10 men after 65 minutes, and an own goal 13 minutes later sealed Al-Nassr's first Group B victory of the campaign.
Al-Nassr are the Saudi club managed by Ange Postecoglou. Neftchi, from Fergana, are representing Uzbekistan in the 2026/27 Elite competition, according to AFC.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo waved a Saudi scarf to the stands following the win after the security delay, as reported by Al Jazeera.
What makes this stand out is the contrast. One hour of waiting and worry. Then ninety minutes of noise, goals and a familiar celebration. For the fans who stayed, that will be the memory that lasts.
