Cristiano Ronaldo scores as Al-Nassr overcome security delay to beat Neftchi

Cristiano Ronaldo was on target as Al-Nassr secured a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan’s Neftchi in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday, overcoming an hour-long delay caused by security concerns in Riyadh.

The Saudi Pro League side regrouped after the interruption to claim all three points, while defending champions Al-Ahli also recorded their first victory of the new campaign with a 3-1 win over Al-Wasl.

Why was Al-Nassr’s match delayed?

The match in Riyadh was postponed after Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued a safety warning just 15 minutes before the scheduled kick-off. The alert came amid recent missile attacks launched from Yemen by Houthi forces.

Despite the disruption, Al-Nassr maintained their composure and took the lead in the 33rd minute when Angelo found the net with a deflected effort.

Ronaldo extended the advantage nine minutes later, finishing emphatically after Sadio Mane delivered a looping cross from the left and Aiman Yahya redirected the ball into his path with his chest. The Portuguese forward struck on the turn, sending the ball into the bottom corner.

How did Al-Nassr secure the victory?

Neftchi reduced the deficit six minutes into the second half through Alisher Odilov, raising hopes of a comeback.

However, the contest shifted decisively in Al-Nassr’s favour when Ikromjon Alibaev was sent off in the 65th minute for fouling Mohamed Simakan. An own goal by Anvarjon Gofurov 13 minutes later completed the scoring and secured the Saudi side’s victory.

How did defending champions Al-Ahli respond?

Al-Ahli bounced back with a 3-1 victory over UAE opponents Al-Wasl, registering their first win of the campaign.

Roger Ibanez opened the scoring with a header in the 20th minute, but Pedro Malheiro equalised in first-half stoppage time.

Trincao restored Al-Ahli’s advantage in the 58th minute before Feras Al-Brikan sealed the result in the 91st minute.

Reflecting on the performance, Trincao said: “We created also in the first half but in the second half we made our goals and I think that was the difference. Physically we were a little bit better and that was the key to changing the game.”

What were the other results?

Houssine Rahimi scored twice as Al-Ain defeated Air Force Club 4-1 in Basra, while Esteghlal edged Al-Gharafa 2-1 through Hossein Goudarzi’s 60th-minute strike.

Pakhtakor rescued a 1-1 draw against Al-Qadsiah with a last-minute penalty from Dostonbek Khamdamov. Iran’s Tractor were held to a goalless draw by Qatar’s Al-Shamal.

The top eight teams from each 16-team regional league phase will advance to the knockout rounds.