Cristiano Ronaldo scored the decisive goal in Al Nassr's Asian Champions League Elite victory over Neftchi Fergana, overcoming a one-hour security delay in Riyadh. The match was postponed due to a Houthi missile alert, with at least three explosions heard in the city. Ronaldo, 41, netted his 981st career goal just before halftime, doubling Al Nassr's lead after Ângelo Gabriel's opener.
Despite Alisher Odilov pulling one back for the visitors, an own goal restored Al Nassr's two-goal advantage, securing a 3-1 win. This marked head coach Ange Postecoglou's first win in the competition following a 4-0 loss to Al Ain. Ronaldo's international break ended in controversy, as he left the Portugal camp amid a dispute over playing time.
He later apologized, and the FPF opened disciplinary proceedings. The Iran-backed Houthis have recently intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing