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Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 981st career goal as Al Nassr defeated Uzbekistan champions Neftchi Fergana 3-1 in the second round of the AFC Champions League Elite in Riyadh on 12 October, leaving the Fergana side with a mixed record of one win and one defeat after the opening two matchdays.
The hosts dominated the first half. Angelo opened the scoring in the 33rd minute before Ronaldo doubled the advantage nine minutes later, converting to reach the landmark tally. Neftchi went into the break two goals down but still in the contest.
The visitors gave themselves a lifeline early in the second period when substitute Alisher Odilov, introduced at half-time, capitalised on a defensive error to make it 2-1 in the 51st minute and restore some tension to the match. The momentum, however, shifted decisively in the 65th minute when Neftchi midfielder Ikrom Aliboyev received a straight red card for a foul in the centre of the pitch, leaving his side to play out the remaining 25 minutes a man short.
With Neftchi stretched, Al Nassr extended their lead in the 78th minute through an own goal by Anvar Ghofurov, who had already been booked earlier in the half. The final score of 3-1 reflected the home side’s control once the numerical advantage was established.
Standings after two rounds
Neftchi now sit seventh in the overall group table with three points. Their only positive result came in the opening round, when they beat Iraqi club Al-Quwwa Al-Jawiya 1-0. Al Nassr, who had suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat to UAE side Al Ain in round one, claimed their first points of the campaign and move to eighth place.
Neftchi’s starting line-up in Riyadh included Botirali Ergashev in goal, with Boyan Siger, Anvar Ghofurov, Michel Augusto, Koffi Kuao, Ibrohimkhalil Yuldoshev, Ikrom Aliboyev, Jamshid Iskanderov, Abror Ismoilov, Yan Sasse and Markus Forss. Augusto, Yuldoshev, Ismoilov, Sasse and Forss were all replaced during the match, with Odilov and Farrukh Sayfiyev coming on at the interval.