Ronaldo Scores 981st Career Goal as Al Nassr Beat Neftchi 3-1 After Riyadh Missile Alert Delays Kick-Off
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 981st goal of his career as Al Nassr beat Uzbekistan's Neftchi Fergana 3-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh — a match delayed by a security alert after missile interceptions over the city.
Angelo Gabriel opened the scoring for the hosts in the 33rd minute before Ronaldo doubled the lead in the 42nd, finishing a pass from substitute Ayman Yahya to move 19 goals short of 1,000. Neftchi's Alisher Odilov pulled one back in the 51st minute, but an own goal in the 78th minute sealed the result. It was Al Nassr's first win of the campaign after they lost their opener 4-0 to Al Ain on September 15.
Kick-off delayed after missile interception
The match was delayed after the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels toward Riyadh. Saudi Civil Defence issued emergency warnings and at least three explosions were heard in the city, with spectators remaining in their seats. On the length of the delay the sources differ: The National reported about 20 minutes, while Mathrubhumi put it at around an hour.
Injury blow and post-match reaction
Al Nassr's night began badly when Kingsley Coman went off injured with a muscle problem inside the first 15 minutes, with Yahya replacing him. Coach Ange Postecoglou said he had been worried about his players' mental state but was happy with their professionalism. Ronaldo, 41, posted after the match: "Important win tonight. We keep building."
Sources: Mathrubhumi — Ronaldo scores as Al Nassr beat Neftchi, The National — Ronaldo's 981st goal helps Al Nassr win
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 981st goal of his career as Al Nassr beat Uzbekistan's Neftchi Fergana 3-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh — a match delayed by a security alert after missile interceptions over the city.
Angelo Gabriel opened the scoring for the hosts in the 33rd minute before Ronaldo doubled the lead in the 42nd, finishing a pass from substitute Ayman Yahya to move 19 goals short of 1,000. Neftchi's Alisher Odilov pulled one back in the 51st minute, but an own goal in the 78th minute sealed the result. It was Al Nassr's first win of the campaign after they lost their opener 4-0 to Al Ain on September 15.
Kick-off delayed after missile interception
The match was delayed after the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels toward Riyadh. Saudi Civil Defence issued emergency warnings and at least three explosions were heard in the city, with spectators remaining in their seats. On the length of the delay the sources differ: The National reported about 20 minutes, while Mathrubhumi put it at around an hour.
Injury blow and post-match reaction
Al Nassr's night began badly when Kingsley Coman went off injured with a muscle problem inside the first 15 minutes, with Yahya replacing him. Coach Ange Postecoglou said he had been worried about his players' mental state but was happy with their professionalism. Ronaldo, 41, posted after the match: "Important win tonight. We keep building."
Sources: Mathrubhumi — Ronaldo scores as Al Nassr beat Neftchi, The National — Ronaldo's 981st goal helps Al Nassr win
