Al‑Nassr beats Neftchi Fergana 3‑1 despite missile threat, Ronaldo waves Saudi flag scarf

UPDATE - follow‑up to Farke defends under‑fire Carrick, Manchester City in action, Premier League buildup, and more – matchday live: Al‑Nassr secured a 3‑1 win over Uzbek side Neftchi Fergana in the Asian Champions League Elite match on Monday. Cristiano Ronaldo lifted a Saudi‑flag scarf and waved it to a sparse but vocal crowd, a gesture of defiance rather than a celebration. Sadio Mané added a goal, giving the Saudi club coached by Ange Postecoglou a comfortable margin. The game was delayed after a safety warning about a possible missile attack from Yemen’s Houthi rebels was issued 15 minutes before kick‑off. The warning came two days after Houthi rockets struck Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, killing 13 people and injuring more than 300.

Context

The Saudi Pro League’s big‑pay offers have drawn stars like Ronaldo and Mané, but regional security concerns can still disrupt matches. The missile threat highlights how the Yemen conflict can spill over into international sport, forcing organizers to balance safety with the league’s growing profile.