Cristiano Ronaldo scores 981st career goal as Al Nassr beat Neftchi 3-1

Cristiano Ronaldo moved 19 goals closer to reaching the historic 1,000-career-goal milestone after scoring in Al Nassr’s 3-1 victory over FK Neftchi in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The Portuguese superstar found the net after a turbulent build-up to Monday’s match, having recently faced a suspension from the Portuguese Football Federation. The fixture was also delayed by an hour following a security alert in Riyadh, according to the supplied report.

Despite the unusual circumstances, Ronaldo remained focused and helped Al Nassr secure an important victory.

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Ronaldo Scores as Al Nassr Take Control

Angelo Gabriel opened the scoring for Al Nassr before Ronaldo doubled the Saudi club’s advantage in the 42nd minute. The forward unleashed a powerful effort past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

FK Neftchi responded shortly after the restart, with Alisher Odilov scoring in the 51st minute to reduce the deficit and give the visitors hope of mounting a comeback.

However, the contest shifted in Al Nassr’s favor when Ekromjon Alibaev was sent off in the 65th minute, leaving Neftchi with 10 men.

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Al Nassr capitalized on their numerical advantage, with an own goal from Anvarjon Gofurov in the 78th minute restoring their two-goal cushion and sealing a 3-1 victory.

Ronaldo Closes in on 1,000 Career Goals

Ronaldo’s latest strike takes his reported career tally to 981 goals, leaving him just 19 away from becoming the first player to reach the 1,000-goal milestone in official senior football, according to the figures provided.

The Al Nassr captain continues to pursue the landmark as he adds to his remarkable scoring record across club and international football.

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Riyadh Security Alert Delays Match

The match was reportedly delayed by exactly one hour following a security alert in Riyadh linked to the interception of a ballistic missile.

According to the supplied account citing AFP, residents received mobile phone alerts advising them to remain indoors, while players waited in the stadium tunnel before the match could begin.

The game eventually went ahead after safety assurances were provided. Al Nassr then delivered a three-goal performance, with Ronaldo among the scorers, to claim all three points.