Cristiano Ronaldo equals Al-Nassr’s Asian scoring record in win over Neftchi Fergana

Cristiano Ronaldo has become Al-Nassr’s joint all-time leading scorer in Asian competitions after helping the Saudi club beat Neftchi Fergana 3-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The Portugal forward scored Al-Nassr’s second goal in the second round of the West section, opening his account in this season’s competition and taking his total for the club in Asia to 16 goals.

That moved Ronaldo level with former Al-Nassr striker Abderrazak Hamdallah at the top of the club’s Asian scoring standings. Anderson Talisca, the Brazilian forward who previously played for Al-Nassr, is third on the list with 11 goals.

Ronaldo’s goal helped Al-Nassr recover from their unexpected 4-0 defeat by Al Ain in the opening round of the league phase. The victory was their first in this season’s competition.

Al-Nassr now have three points and sit seventh in the West section, level on points with Neftchi Fergana.

The match in Riyadh began an hour later than scheduled after security concerns led to the sound of sirens. Kick-off was moved to 22:15 local time instead of 21:15.

Ronaldo celebrated the victory wearing a Saudi scarf after the final whistle.

Al-Nassr will next face Al Wasl of the United Arab Emirates on 26 October. Neftchi Fergana, meanwhile, will host Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad.