KehlSamachar Football News logo

Al Nassr 3-1 Neftchi Fergana: Ronaldo’s 981st Goal Seals First Win

Al Nassr vs Neftchi Fergana ended 3-1 in favour of the Saudi side on Monday, October 12, 2026, as Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 981st career goal in the AFC Champions League Elite. Ângelo opened the scoring, Ronaldo doubled the lead just before half-time and a late own goal sealed the win in Riyadh. It was Al Nassr’s first victory in the competition this season, and it came after a delayed kick-off caused by a security alert.

Al Nassr vs Neftchi Fergana: Result and Key Facts

  • Final score: Al Nassr 3-1 Neftchi Fergana (half-time 2-0)
  • Competition: AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27, West Region, matchday 2
  • Venue: Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh
  • Al Nassr goals: Ângelo Gabriel (33′), Cristiano Ronaldo (42′), Anvarjon Gofurov (own goal, 78′)
  • Neftchi goal: Alisher Odilov (51′)
  • Red card: Ikromjon Alibaev (Neftchi, 65′)
  • Al Nassr coach: Ange Postecoglou

Al Nassr vs Neftchi Fergana: How the Match Unfolded

Al Nassr started in a 4-4-2 with Ronaldo and João Félix up front, Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman on the wings, and Íñigo Martínez in defence. They suffered a setback early when Coman picked up a muscle injury and had to leave the field in the first 15 minutes, but the hosts kept control of the game.

The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute. Ângelo Gabriel took a pass from Nawaf Boushal and his shot took a deflection on its way into the net. Just before half-time, Ronaldo made it 2-0 with a close-range finish, his 981st goal for club and country.

Neftchi, the reigning Uzbek champions, came out stronger after the break and reduced the deficit through Alisher Odilov in the 51st minute. Their hopes of a comeback ended in the 65th minute when Ikromjon Alibaev was sent off. Al Nassr then restored their two-goal lead in the 78th minute when Gofurov put Samú Costa’s pull-back into his own net.

Match Delayed by Security Alert in Riyadh

The match did not start on time. Kick-off was pushed back by an hour, from 9:15 PM to 10:15 PM local time, after sirens sounded in the city amid security concerns. The game went ahead once the all-clear was given, and Al Nassr’s players looked focused despite the unusual build-up.

Ronaldo’s 981st Goal: 19 Away From 1,000

At 41, Ronaldo is still scoring regularly. The goal against Neftchi took his tally to 981, which leaves him 19 short of the unprecedented 1,000-goal milestone. Some reports also describe it as his 15th goal in the AFC Champions League. For the full story of his career, read our Cristiano Ronaldo biography, or see how he compares with his great rival in our Ronaldo vs Messi all-time goals article.

Ângelo was the other star. His goal capped a strong performance and one rating site named him man of the match.

Al Nassr vs Neftchi Fergana: Match Stats

StatAl NassrNeftchi Fergana
Possession65%35%
Shots on target32
Big chances created40
Passes563291
Pass accuracy89%78%
Corners55

Standings After Al Nassr vs Neftchi Fergana

The win lifted Al Nassr from the bottom of the West Region table, where they sat after a surprise 4-0 defeat to Al Ain on matchday 1. They now have three points from two games, level with Neftchi, who beat Al Quwa Al Jawiya 1-0 in their opener. Neftchi stay a place ahead in seventh on goal difference, with Al Nassr eighth, though some sources list the two clubs in the opposite order. Check the AFC website for the latest table.

What Next for Al Nassr?

Postecoglou will be pleased with the response after the Al Ain defeat, but the Coman injury is a concern. Al Nassr will need more points in the coming rounds to stay in the top group of the league phase, and Ronaldo will continue his chase for goal 1,000 in the Saudi Pro League and in Asia.

Al Nassr vs Neftchi Fergana: FAQ

What was the score in Al Nassr vs Neftchi Fergana?
Al Nassr won 3-1 on October 12, 2026.

Who scored for Al Nassr?
Ângelo Gabriel, Cristiano Ronaldo and an own goal from Anvarjon Gofurov.

Why was the match delayed?
Kick-off was moved back by an hour after sirens sounded in Riyadh amid security concerns.

How many goals does Ronaldo have now?
981 career goals, according to most reports.

Match details are from the ESPN match page and Africa Soccer.