Key Takeaways
- Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al-Nassr defeated Neftchi 3-1.
- The match was delayed due to security concerns in Riyadh.
- Al-Ahli also won their match, securing their first victory of the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al-Nassr secured a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan’s Neftchi in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday. The match, which was initially delayed by an hour due to a safety warning issued by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence, resumed with Al-Nassr taking the lead through Angelo’s deflected strike in the 33rd minute.
Ronaldo doubled the lead nine minutes later, converting a looping cross from Sadio Mane with a powerful shot into the bottom corner. Despite Alisher Odilov’s goal for Neftchi six minutes into the second half, Al-Nassr’s victory was sealed by Ikromjon Alibaev’s red card and an own goal by Anvarjon Gofurov.
In other matches, Al-Ahli secured their first win of the new campaign by defeating Al-Wasl 3-1. Roger Ibanez put Al-Ahli ahead with a header in the 20th minute, but Pedro Malheiro equalised for Al-Wasl in the third minute of first-half stoppage time.
Goals from Trincao and Feras Al-Brikan in the 58th and 91st minutes, respectively, gave Al-Ahli the win. Trincao stated, 'Physically we were a little bit better, and that was the key to changing the game.'
Meanwhile, Al-Ain defeated Air Force Club 4-1 in Basra, while Esteghlal from Iran earned a 2-1 win over Al-Gharafa. A last-minute penalty from Dostonbek Khamdamov secured a 1-1 draw for Pakhtakor against Al-Qadsiah in Tashkent, and Tractor from Iran were held to a 0-0 draw by Qatar’s Al-Shamal.
The top eight finishers in the 16-team league phase in both East and West Asia will progress to the knockout rounds.
Physically we were a little bit better, and that was the key to changing the game.
Trincao, Al-Ahli player
