Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his goal-scoring prowess once again, netting his 981st career goal to propel Al Nassr to victory in a match that kicked off nearly an hour late due to missile threats.
The Portuguese superstar found the back of the net during the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE) league stage clash against FC Neftchi Fergana of Uzbekistan on October 13. His strike helped secure a 3-1 win for Al Nassr at Alawwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The game’s start was delayed by approximately 60 minutes due to safety concerns arising from a missile threat in the area.
Reports from AFP indicate that the Saudi-led coalition successfully intercepted a missile launched towards Riyadh by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Saudi Arabia has been grappling with a series of attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in recent times. These assaults have targeted critical infrastructure including oil facilities, tankers, and transportation hubs. Even Riyadh International Airport has not been spared from these repeated strikes.
As fans awaited the match’s commencement, they received alerts on their mobile devices warning of an aerial threat. AFP also reported that explosions were heard in Riyadh.
Despite the tense atmosphere, the game eventually got underway, and Ronaldo’s scoring touch remained as sharp as ever.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner doubled Al Nassr’s lead in the 42nd minute, with his team already up 1-0.
The goal came from a well-worked move, as Sadio Mané whipped in a cross from the left flank. Ayman Yahya cushioned the ball with his chest, teeing up Ronaldo who swiveled and unleashed a thunderous shot into the net.
This strike brought Ronaldo’s career goal tally to an impressive 981.
Neftchi managed to pull one back through Alisher Odilov in the 51st minute, but their comeback hopes were dashed when Ikromjon Alibayev saw red in the 65th minute, leaving them a man down.
Al Nassr put the game to bed in the 78th minute, benefiting from an own goal to seal a comfortable 3-1 victory.
This win marks Al Nassr’s first in the ACLE, coming on the heels of a heavy 4-0 defeat to Al Ain in their previous outing.