Ronaldo nets 981st career goal as Al-Nassr beat Neftchi after missile alert delays AFC Champions League clash

Match delayed by safety warning in Riyadh

Cristiano Ronaldo is closing on a milestone 1,000 career goals after scoring for the 981st time on Monday as Al-Nassr won an AFC Champions League match delayed by an hour because of a missile alert.

Ronaldo scored Al-Nassr’s second goal as the Saudi Pro League champions beat Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana 3-1 on Monday in Riyadh. Kick-off was delayed after Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued a safety warning just 15 minutes before the scheduled start time in the capital, which has been the target of missiles fired from Yemen-based Houthis.

Following attacks on Riyadh’s airport, explosions were heard in the capital on Monday night. The Saudi-led military coalition said a ballistic missile had been intercepted and destroyed.

Angelo opens scoring before Ronaldo strike

Once Al-Nassr were able to get under way, Ange Postecoglou’s team went ahead through Angelo in the 33rd minute and Ronaldo doubled their lead before half-time.

Uzbekistan champions Neftchi pulled a goal back, but they were reduced to 10 men after 65 minutes and an own goal 13 minutes later sealed a first Group B victory for the hosts.

Ronaldo also scored on Friday when making his return to club football, having left the Portugal national team camp halfway through the Nations League break out of frustration at limited playing opportunities.