Ronaldo Scores in Missile-Delayed AFC Champions League Win

Ronaldo on Target as Al-Nassr Win Delayed Opener

Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Al-Nassr claimed a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan's Neftchi Fergana in an AFC Champions League group match that was delayed by an hour because of a missile alert in Riyadh, according to reports.

The Saudi Pro League champions were due to kick off on Monday evening, but the start was pushed back after Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence issued a safety warning just 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Riyadh, the capital, has been the target of missiles fired from Yemen-based Houthis, and explosions were heard in the city on Monday night following attacks on the capital's airport.

The Saudi-led military coalition said a ballistic missile had been intercepted and destroyed. Reports indicate that future sporting events could be affected by the regional conflict, including Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

How the Match Unfolded Once Under Way

Once Ange Postecoglou's side were able to get under way, they took the lead through Angelo in the 33rd minute, before Ronaldo doubled the advantage before half-time.

The Uzbekistan champions pulled a goal back, but they were reduced to 10 men after 65 minutes, and an own goal 13 minutes later sealed a first Group B victory for the hosts.

Ronaldo's strike was his 981st career goal, moving him closer to a milestone 1,000. The 41-year-old also scored on Friday when making his return to club football, having left the Portugal national team camp halfway through the Nations League break out of frustration at limited playing opportunities.

Newcastle Suffer Second Heavy Away Defeat

In the Premier League, Newcastle suffered a second consecutive 4-1 away loss after defeat at Coventry, with boss Matthias Jaissle apologising to the travelling fans.

The Magpies' previous away game a month ago also saw them defeated 4-1 on Monday Night Football at Leeds. A second loss in three games comes after Jaissle had enjoyed an unbeaten five-game start across all competitions, but recent results have seen his side fall to 11th in the Premier League table.

A wasteful Newcastle lost at Coventry despite having 19 shots, three big chances and more than double the number of touches in the opposition box than the home side.

Jaissle told Sky Sports: "We're frustrated. It's a feeling you don't want to have on a Monday evening after a match where you should win. We can only apologise to the fans who came here; they deserve a different result. We need to analyse it, clearly. There were bits that were good but, in both boxes, to defend our own goal we need to improve and also score goals. The opportunities were there."

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher said: "In their last two away games, they've been beaten up twice - and that's got to stop very quickly."

What's Next

Al-Nassr will look to build on their first Group B win as the AFC Champions League campaign continues, while Newcastle must regroup quickly to arrest their slide down the Premier League predictions standings. For more match analysis and today's AI betting tips, keep an eye on our latest football news section.