Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Match Delayed by Missile Alert in Riyadh, Club Wins 3–1

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr endured an unusual build-up to their AFC Champions League Elite fixture against Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana after a security alert over a missile threat delayed kick-off by an hour in Saudi Arabia’s capital on Monday. The match eventually went ahead at Al-Awwal Park, with Al-Nassr recording a 3–1 victory and Ronaldo scoring before half-time.

Missile Threat Forces Hour-Long Match Delay

The match was set to start at 9.15 pm local time. However, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued a safety alert approximately 15 minutes before kick-off amid heightened security concerns in Riyadh.

The Saudi-led military coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched towards the capital by Yemen-based Houthi rebels. Explosions were also reported across the city, adding to concerns as players and spectators waited for the situation to be resolved.

A stadium announcement initially assured spectators that the match would proceed and asked them to remain in their seats. The television broadcaster subsequently announced a one-hour delay.

Authorities later indicated that the immediate danger had passed, allowing the fixture to take place. The disruption came against the backdrop of reported Houthi attacks on Saudi targets in recent days, raising wider concerns about security in the region.

Ronaldo Scores as Al-Nassr Secure Victory

Despite the interruption, Al-Nassr made a strong start once play began. Angelo Gabriel opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a deflected effort, giving the Saudi side the lead.

Ronaldo doubled the advantage shortly before half-time. Sadio Mane delivered a looping cross from the left, and Aiman Yahya directed the ball into the Portuguese forward’s path with his chest. Ronaldo then struck on the turn, sending the ball into the bottom corner.

The goal marked the 41-year-old forward’s 981st career goal, according to reports, adding another milestone to his pursuit of the 1,000-goal mark.

Neftchi Fergana reduced the deficit early in the second half through Alisher Odilov. However, the visitors’ challenge became more difficult when Ikromjon Alibaev was sent off in the 65th minute for a foul on Mohamed Simakan.

Al-Nassr capitalised on their numerical advantage, with an own goal by Neftchi defender Anvarjon Gofurov in the 78th minute sealing a 3–1 win.

Football Takes a Back Seat to Security Fears 

The delayed kick-off placed the spotlight on the security situation in Riyadh before attention returned to the football. The incident demonstrated how regional tensions can disrupt major sporting events, even when a venue itself has not been reported as directly hit.

While the match ultimately concluded with a comfortable win for Al-Nassr, the missile alert highlighted the importance of emergency warnings and safety procedures for players, officials and spectators attending international competitions.

For Ronaldo and his teammates, the night ended with a victory. But the hour-long delay served as a reminder that sporting events in the region remain vulnerable to developments beyond the pitch.