Ronaldo scores as Al-Nassr win delayed AFC Champions League match after missile alert
Al-Nassr beat Neftchi Fergana 3-1 in an AFC Champions League match delayed by a missile alert in Riyadh, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Al-Nassr defeated Uzbekistan's Neftchi Fergana 3-1 in an AFC Champions League group match on Monday. The game in Riyadh was delayed by an hour after Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence issued a safety warning 15 minutes before the scheduled kick-off due to a missile alert.
The alert followed intercepts of missiles fired from Yemen. Explosions were heard in the Saudi capital on Monday night, and the Saudi-led military coalition said a ballistic missile was intercepted and destroyed. Riyadh's airport has previously been targeted.
When play began, Al-Nassr, managed by Ange Postecoglou, took the lead through Angelo in the 33rd minute. Ronaldo doubled the advantage before half-time. Neftchi, the Uzbek champions, pulled a goal back, but they were reduced to 10 men after 65 minutes. An own goal 13 minutes later secured a first Group B victory for the hosts.
Ronaldo also scored on Friday in his return to club football, having left the Portugal national team camp during the Nations League break, reportedly frustrated by limited playing time.
The regional conflict could impact future sporting events, including Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. F1 is pressing ahead with both races, a decision that has caused some private unease in the paddock. Organisers cite no recent attacks on civilian infrastructure and business-as-usual operations, while the UK Foreign Office warns of a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation, advising British nationals in the Middle East to prepare for possible flight cancellations and airspace closures. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said on Sunday that the season must continue, with six races remaining. If escalation forces late cancellations, Imola in Italy is being prepared as a back-up for the Abu Dhabi weekend.
Image: Reuters / BBC Sport
