Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Al-Nassr defeated Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana 3-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite on October 12, 2026. The match in Riyadh faced a significant interruption before kick-off after a security alert prompted authorities to delay proceedings.
Despite the disruption, Al-Nassr produced a strong performance to secure the victory, with Ronaldo finding the net before half-time. Angelo Gabriel and an own goal from Neftchi defender Anvarjon Gofurov accounted for the other goals in the Saudi club’s win.
Security Alert Delays Kick-Off in Riyadh
The match at Al-Awwal Park was delayed after Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued a safety warning shortly before the scheduled start. The alert came amid reports of missile threats targeting Riyadh.
Players and supporters had to wait while authorities assessed the situation. The match eventually went ahead after the safety alert was cleared, allowing both teams to resume preparations.
Angelo Gabriel Opens the Scoring
Al-Nassr settled into the contest after the delay and broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute. Angelo Gabriel put the hosts ahead with a deflected strike, giving the Saudi side an early advantage.
The opening goal helped Al-Nassr establish control and put pressure on the visitors from Uzbekistan.
Ronaldo Doubles Al-Nassr’s Lead
Ronaldo extended the lead in the 42nd minute with a well-taken finish. The move began with Sadio Mane delivering a looping cross from the left, which Aiman Yahya directed into Ronaldo’s path with his chest.
The Portuguese forward struck the ball on the turn and sent it into the bottom corner. The goal gave Al-Nassr a 2-0 advantage heading into half-time.
Neftchi Fight Back but Suffer a Setback
Neftchi Fergana reduced the deficit shortly after the break when Alisher Odilov scored in the 51st minute. The goal briefly gave the visitors renewed hope of getting back into the match.
However, their challenge became more difficult when Ikromjon Alibaev was sent off in the 65th minute following a foul on Al-Nassr defender Mohamed Simakan.
Own Goal Seals the Victory
Al-Nassr capitalised on their numerical advantage and secured the result in the 78th minute. Neftchi defender Anvarjon Gofurov turned the ball into his own net, making it 3-1 and effectively ending the contest.
The victory gave Al-Nassr a positive result in their AFC Champions League Elite campaign despite the unusual circumstances surrounding the fixture.
Ronaldo Continues to Make His Mark
Ronaldo’s goal was another notable moment in the career of the 41-year-old forward, who remains a central figure in Al-Nassr’s attack. His finishing ability and movement in the penalty area proved important on a night when the team had to deal with an unexpected interruption.
For Al-Nassr, the 3-1 result provided a successful conclusion to a match overshadowed initially by security concerns. The club will look to build on the performance as its continental campaign continues.
