The Ronaldo Al-Nassr victory over Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana delivered three important goals after an hour-long security delay disrupted Monday’s AFC Champions League Elite fixture in Riyadh, with the Saudi Arabian side eventually securing a 3-1 win. Said Arabia’s Civil Defence delayed kick-off 15 minutes before the game was to start due to a safety warning.
The postponement coincided with growing security concerns due to the reported missile attacks on Saudi Arabia by Houthis, who are based in Yemen, over the past few days. However, Al-Nassr bounced back into their form and scored in the 33rd minute with Angelo’s deflection and the ball hitting the post. Cristiano Ronaldo then doubled the lead nine minutes later with a good finish. Sadio Mane found the back of the net after looping the ball from the left and the Aiman Yahya used his chest to spot the ball for Ronaldo.
The Portuguese striker attacked it in the turn, and finished it off in the bottom corner, adding another goal to his impressive tally. It was six minutes into the second half when Neftchi responded with a reduction of the deficit by Alisher Odilov. But the visitors’ chances of regaining their form were dealt a serious blow when Ikromjon Alibaev was booked off in the 65th minute for fouling Mohamed Simakan.
Al-Nassr got back on the scoreboard 13 minutes on, with the own goal of Anvarjon Gofurov. Elsewhere, defending champions Al-Ahli had their first win of the new season, thanks to their 3-1 victory over Al-Wasl of the UAE. Roger Ibanez levelled the score in the 20th minute, but Pedro Malheiro levelled again in first-half stoppage time.
Trincao was able to even the score in the 58th minute, but Feras Al-Brikan made the difference in the 91st minute. Al-Ain and Air Force Club also had a 4-1 win against Iran’s Esteghlal, who beats Al-Gharafa 2-1.
