Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Fixture Delayed After Missile Threat Report in Saudi Arabia

Missile Threat Delays Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Clash in Saudi Arabia by 60 Minutes

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr had to wait an additional hour before taking the field against Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday after a security alert in Riyadh disrupted preparations for the match.

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued a safety warning approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled kick-off amid heightened security concerns following missile attacks claimed by Yemen-based Houthi rebels in recent days. According to the Saudi-led coalition, two ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh on Monday were intercepted and destroyed. At least three explosions were also reportedly heard across the city that evening.

The alert interrupted preparations at Al-Awwal Park, where both sides were set to begin their continental campaign. Players and spectators were left waiting as authorities assessed the situation, with a relatively small crowd remaining inside the stadium.

The situation eased after Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence announced that the danger had passed, enabling the fixture to proceed following a delay of around 60 minutes.

Despite the disruption and tense atmosphere surrounding the match, Al-Nassr maintained their composure to secure a 3-1 victory, with Ronaldo scoring in the first half.

Ronaldo on target as Al-Nassr claim 3-1 win

Al-Nassr took the lead in the 33rd minute when Angelo Gabriel found the net with a deflected shot. Ronaldo increased the advantage nine minutes later with an impressive finish to put the Saudi club firmly in control before half-time.

The Portuguese forward’s goal followed a well-coordinated move involving Sadio Mane and Aiman Yahya. Mane sent a looping cross from the left, and Yahya used his chest to direct the ball towards Ronaldo. The 41-year-old striker then turned and fired a precise effort into the bottom corner.

Neftchi Fergana fought back after the interval, with Alisher Odilov scoring six minutes into the second half to make it 2-1 and give the visitors renewed hope.

However, their comeback hopes suffered a significant blow in the 65th minute when Ikromjon Alibaev was sent off for a foul on Mohamed Simakan, leaving the Uzbek side with 10 players.

Al-Nassr took advantage of their numerical superiority to extend their lead in the 78th minute. Neftchi defender Anvarjon Gofurov inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, sealing the Saudi side’s 3-1 victory.

The result ensured a successful outing for Al-Nassr despite the unusual circumstances surrounding kick-off. While the missile alert temporarily shifted attention away from the game, Ronaldo’s goal and the team’s victory provided a positive conclusion to a disrupted evening in Riyadh.