The key facts

  • Al-Nassr — Neftchi 3:1: goals by Angelo (33), Ronaldo (42), Gofurov own goal (78) — Odilov (51)
  • Ronaldo marked his 981st career goal
  • Ikrom Alijonov sent off in the 65th minute; Neftchi sit 7th with 3 points, Al-Nassr 8th

Match in Riyadh

On October 12, as part of the 2nd round of the AFC Champions League Elite, the Uzbekistan champion «Neftchi» faced Saudi Arabia's «Al-Nassr» in Riyadh and lost 1:3.

Course of the game

In the first half the hosts scored twice: in the 33rd minute Angelo found the net, and in the 42nd Cristiano Ronaldo, for whom this goal was the 981st of his career. Early in the second half, substitute Alisher Odilov took advantage of a mistake by the opponent's defense and reduced the deficit (51st minute). However, soon after, Fergana's midfielder Ikrom Alijonov received a red card in the 65th minute for a rough challenge in midfield. In the remaining time the visitors failed to equalize, while the hosts extended their lead after an own goal by Anvar Gofurov in the 78th minute — 3:1.

Lineups and bookings

«Al-Nassr» fielded Bento, Boushal, Simakan (Sharari, 72), Martinez, Aman, Costa, Angelo, Felix, Mané (Al-Hamdan, 81), Coman (Ayman 13, Al-Khaibari, 78) and Ronaldo. For «Neftchi» — Botirali Ergashev, Bojan Siger, Anvar Gofurov, Michel Augusto (Ratinho, 70), Koffi Kouao, Ibrokhimkhalil Yuldashev (Farrukh Sayfiev, 46), Ikrom Alijonov, Jamshid Iskanderov, Abror Ismoilov (Asilbek Jumaev, 63), Jan Sasse (Alisher Odilov, 46) and Marcus Forss (Stipe Perica, 63). Bookings went to Yuldashev (17), Gofurov (30), Martinez (45+3) and Forss (45+3).

Table standings

After two rounds, «Neftchi» sit 7th with 3 points: in the first round the Uzbek club beat Iraq's «Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya» 1:0. «Al-Nassr», who suffered a heavy defeat to UAE's «Al-Ain» (0:4) in the opening round, earned their first points and occupy 8th place.