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Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 981st career goal as Al-Nassr defeated Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana 3-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday.
The 41-year-old Portuguese forward scored in the 42nd minute to double Al-Nassr’s lead in the encounter played at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Angelo Gabriel had opened the scoring for the Saudi Arabian side in the 33rd minute before Ronaldo extended their advantage shortly before half-time.
Ronaldo’s goal came after Sadio Mane delivered a looping cross from the left, which Aiman Yahya controlled with his chest into the forward’s path before the Portuguese captain fired into the bottom corner.
The goal took Ronaldo’s career tally to 981, leaving him 19 goals short of reaching the landmark of 1,000 goals for club and country.
Security alert delays kick-off
The match was delayed by approximately one hour following a security alert issued by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence shortly before the scheduled kick-off.
According to Reuters, the delay followed security concerns amid missile threats from Yemen-based Houthi rebels.
When play eventually commenced, Al-Nassr took control through Angelo’s opener before Ronaldo doubled their advantage.
Neftchi Fergana reduced the deficit six minutes into the second half through Alisher Odilov, raising hopes of a comeback.
However, the visitors’ chances suffered a setback in the 65th minute when Ikromjon Alibaev was sent off for a foul on Mohamed Simakan.
Al-Nassr subsequently secured the victory in the 78th minute after Anvarjon Gofurov scored an own goal to make it 3-1.
Victory boosts Al-Nassr’s campaign
The result gave Al-Nassr their first points in the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite campaign following a 4-0 defeat to UAE side Al-Ain in their opening match.
Ronaldo entered the encounter after scoring his 980th career goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 victory over Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.
He opened the scoring in that match in the 23rd minute at Al-Awwal Park, converting a rebound after goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah parried Kingsley Coman’s effort.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is now 19 goals away from the 1,000-goal milestone as he continues his pursuit of one of football’s most notable individual scoring records.
His latest strike also helped Al-Nassr return to winning ways in continental competition after their disappointing opening defeat.
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