{
  "id": 14065033,
  "title": "Ronaldo scores as Al-Nassr beat Neftchi after security delay",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/ronaldo-scores-as-al-nassr-beat-neftchi-after-security-delay",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T22:51:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/10/1554086/ronaldo-scores-al-nassr-beat-neftchi-after-security-delay"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Monday, Al-Nassr secured a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan's Neftchi in the AFC Champions League Elite after a security delay caused an hour-long interruption. The match, played in Riyadh, was initially delayed due to a safety warning issued by Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence 15 minutes before kickoff. The warning came amid recent missile strikes from Yemen-based Houthis targeting Riyadh.\n\nAl-Nassr took the lead in the 33rd minute through Angelo's deflected goal. Cristiano Ronaldo scored Al-Nassr's second goal in the 42nd minute after receiving a pass from Sadio Mane. Ronaldo converted the opportunity by striking the ball into the bottom corner with his chest. Neftchi managed to pull one back with a goal by Alisher Odilov six minutes into the second half, but Ikromjon Alibaev received a red card for fouling Mohamed Simakan in the 65th minute. An own goal by Anvarjon Gofurov in the 76th minute sealed Al-Nassr's triumph.\n\nIn other matches, Al-Ahli from the UAE secured their first win of the new campaign with a 3-1 victory over Al-Wasl. Marino Pusic's side took the lead with a header from Roger Ibanez in the 20th minute. Trincao scored for Al-Ahli in the 3rd minute of stoppage time, and they added two more goals in the second half, taking them to a four-point total from their opening two matches. Trincao attributed their success to their improved physical condition compared to Neftchi.\n\nElsewhere, Al-Ain defeated Air Force Club 4-1 in Basra, with Houssine Rahimi scoring twice. Iran's Esteghlal also won 2-1 against Al-Gharafa, with Hossein Goudarzi's 60th-minute goal securing the win. Pakhtakor and Al-Qadsiah played to a 1-1 draw after a last-minute penalty from Dostonbek Khamdamov for Pakhtakor salvaged the match. Tractor from Iran ended their match against Qatar's Al-Shamal in a 0-0 draw.",
  "summary": "RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo scored Al-Nassr’s second goal as the Saudi Pro League champions overcame an hour-long security delay to beat Uzbekistan’s Neftchi 3-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Ronaldo, Al-Nassr see Champions League game delayed as missile attacks on Saudi Arabia continue",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/ronaldo-al-nassr-see-champions-league-game-delayed-as-missile-attacks",
        "published": "2026-10-12T20:23:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}