Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 981st goal of his career as Al-Nassr beat Neftchi Fergana 3–1 in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday, after a missile alert delayed kickoff by an hour in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued a safety warning 15 minutes before the scheduled start at Al-Awwal Park, according to Reuters and BBC Sport. The warning followed recent attacks on the Saudi capital.
Angelo put Al-Nassr ahead with a deflected shot in the 33rd minute. Ronaldo doubled the lead nine minutes later, turning to finish after Sadio Mane’s cross was chested into his path by Aiman Yahya.
Alisher Odilov reduced Neftchi’s deficit six minutes into the second half. The visitors then lost Ikromjon Alibaev to a red card for a foul on Mohamed Simakan in the 65th minute.
An own goal by Anvarjon Gofurov in the 78th minute secured the victory for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Ronaldo and his teammates applauded the home supporters after the match. The 41-year-old’s goal left him 19 short of 1,000 career goals.
