Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr Match Delayed After Missile Interception in Riyadh

Missile Interception Delays Al Nassr Asian Champions League Match in Riyadh

The Asian Champions League fixture between Saudi club Al Nassr and Uzbek side Neftchi Fargana was delayed by one hour on Monday evening, October 12, 2026, after the Saudi-led military coalition intercepted a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh. The military coalition led by Saudi Arabia against the Houthis announced in the evening that it had intercepted a ballistic missile fired by the pro-Iranian fighters at the Saudi capital, and subsequently announced that it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis towards Riyadh.

Initially scheduled for a 21:15 local time (18:15 GMT) kickoff at Al-Awal Park, the match was pushed back to 22:15 local time (19:15 GMT), according to broadcast reports. Correspondents on the ground in the Saudi capital reported hearing explosions shortly before the announcement, while residents received emergency mobile alerts warning of a hostile aerial threat and advising citizens to stay indoors away from windows and doors, specifically stating: The region is exposed to a hostile aerial threat. Please remain calm and stay home or in a safe place, away from windows and doors, and continue to follow civil defense instructions.

Stadium Announcements and Sparse Crowds at Al-Awal Park

Inside the venue, attendance appeared sparse as spectators awaited kickoff under unusual security conditions. The stadium announcer addressed the crowd directly, assuring fans that the situation was secure, that the match would proceed as planned, and instructing them to remain in their seats. Broadcasters later confirmed the one-hour delay to the official schedule, with the official channel broadcasting the match indicating that the kickoff had been delayed by one hour to be given at 22:15 (19:15 GMT).

Ronaldo Match Delayed by Missile Attack: Al Nassr Win 3-1 After One-Hour Delay | AFC Champion League

Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Milestone Goal Amid Security Interruption

The disruption failed to derail Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch. The Portuguese forward scored just before halftime, netting the 981st goal of his professional career. At the hour mark, Al Nassr held a 2-1 lead over Neftchi Fargana.

Ronaldo is joined at Al Nassr by a prominent cast of international teammates, including French players Kingsley Coman and Mohamed Simakan, Senegal forward Sadio Mané, and Portuguese attacker Joao Félix.