Cristiano Ronaldo helped Al Nassr secure their first win in the AFC Champions League Elite, scoring his reported 981st career goal in a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fargona on Monday. The match in Riyadh started about an hour later than scheduled after a security alert interrupted preparations. Players returned to the dressing rooms, and the fixture went ahead after authorities said the immediate danger had passed. The result gave Al Nassr three points after their opening-round defeat, while Ronaldo moved 19 goals away from the reported milestone of 1,000.

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The game at Al-Awwal Park was disrupted shortly before the planned start. Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued a warning amid reports of ballistic missiles directed towards Riyadh. Stadium announcements asked spectators to remain calm as players waited for clearance. The delay came before a football match Al Nassr needed to win after losing 4-0 to Al Ain in their opening fixture.

Angelo and Cristiano Ronaldo Put Al Nassr Ahead

Al Nassr took the lead in the 33rd minute. Brazilian forward Angelo Gabriel finished after Nawaf Boushal supplied the ball from the right. Cristiano Ronaldo doubled the advantage shortly before half-time, scoring in the 42nd minute. The move involved Sadio Mané and Ayman Yahya, whose delivery found Ronaldo inside the area. The Portuguese forward turned and sent the ball past goalkeeper Botirali Ergashev. The goal took Cristiano Ronaldo’s reported career tally to 981, leaving him 19 short of 1,000. It was also his 134th goal for Al Nassr.

Al Nassr had already lost Kingsley Coman to injury. The French forward went off after around 15 minutes with a muscle problem, and Yahya came on as his replacement. Yahya later helped create the goal that extended the lead.

Neftchi Fight Back Before Own Goal Settles Result

Neftchi returned from half-time with greater urgency and pulled one back in the 51st minute. Alisher Odilov capitalised on a defensive mistake to make it 2-1, giving the visitors a chance to push for an equaliser. The contest shifted when Neftchi’s Ikromjon Alibaev was sent off in the 65th minute. The visitors were left with ten players, making a comeback harder. Al Nassr made the advantage count in the 78th minute, when Anvarjon Gofurov turned the ball into his own net. The own goal restored a two-goal cushion and settled the score at 3-1.

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What the Win Means For Al Nassr?

The result puts Al Nassr’s campaign back on track after losing to Al Ain. For Cristiano Ronaldo, the goal adds another landmark to a career spanning club and international football. The match showed how quickly circumstances can change in football and sport: a security delay interrupted the evening, Neftchi threatened after the break, and the dismissal and own goal helped Al Nassr close out the game. Ronaldo’s next target is clear, but Al Nassr’s immediate priority is to build on this win and collect points in upcoming fixtures. Football now turns to Al Nassr’s next league-phase test ahead.

Editor - Neha

Neha is the Co-Director & Editor at sportselite.in, drawn to the stories that give Sports their energy beyond the scoreboard. She brings clarity, context, and a human perspective to coverage across Elite Sports, from standout performances to shifting team dynamics and memorable contests. At sportselite.in, Neha helps turn complex sporting developments into engaging stories, keeping readers connected to the people and moments behind the action.

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