Cristiano Ronaldo scored for the 981st time in his career on Monday night, in a match that almost did not start on time. Al-Nassr beat Uzbekistan's Neftchi Fergana 3-1 in the AFC Champions League, but the kick-off in Riyadh was delayed by an hour after Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence issued a safety warning.
The alert came 15 minutes before the scheduled start. Riyadh has been the target of missiles fired from Yemen-based Houthis, and explosions were heard in the capital that night. The Saudi-led military coalition said a ballistic missile had been intercepted and destroyed.
A match played under a cloud
Once play began, Ange Postecoglou's team looked settled. Angelo put them ahead in the 33rd minute and Ronaldo doubled the lead before half-time. Neftchi pulled one back but were reduced to 10 men after 65 minutes. An own goal 13 minutes later settled the result and gave the hosts their first victory in Group B.
For the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, it was a clean enough evening given how it began. The wider situation is not so simple. BBC Sport reported that the regional conflict could affect future sporting events, with Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi among those discussed.
The Portugal fallout still sits behind him
Ronaldo also scored on Friday, when he returned to club action. He had left the Portugal squad halfway through the Nations League break out of frustration at limited playing opportunities. That decision made headlines of its own.
Back in club colours, though, the story is more familiar. He scores. Monday took his total to 981, and he is now closing in on a milestone of 1,000 career goals.
What 19 more would mean
The arithmetic is simple even if the calendar is not. At 981, he needs 19 more to reach four figures. If Al-Nassr keep playing him every week in league and continental matches, that is a matter of months rather than years. Very few players in history have come anywhere near it.
Match facts: Al-Nassr 3-1 Neftchi Fergana, AFC Champions League Group B, Monday, Riyadh. Angelo 33', Ronaldo (before half-time), own goal. Kick-off delayed one hour after a missile alert. Neftchi down to 10 men after 65 minutes. Source: BBC Sport.
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