Ronaldo Scores Career Goal No. 981 as Al-Nassr Bounce Back with 3-1 Win

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to club football after reported tensions involving Portugal’s national team and coach, and continued his scoring form with goals in consecutive matches. The Portuguese superstar took his career tally to 981 goals as Al-Nassr defeated Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana 3-1 in their second AFC Champions League match.

The Saudi club had opened its campaign with a heavy 4-0 defeat to UAE side Al Ain. But Al-Nassr bounced back on Monday night with a victory at home.

Angelo Gabriel opened the scoring for Al-Nassr in the 33rd minute. Nine minutes later, Ronaldo doubled the hosts’ lead, finishing a move assisted by Ayman Yahya in the 42nd minute.

Neftchi Fergana reduced the deficit in the 51st minute through Alisher Odilov. However, the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Ikromjon Alibaev was sent off in the 65th minute. An own goal by Anvarjon Gofurov in the 78th minute sealed Al-Nassr’s 3-1 victory.

Ronaldo Moves Closer to 1,000 Career Goals

Ronaldo has now scored 128 goals in 151 appearances for Al-Nassr. His combined career tally for club and country stands at 981, leaving him just 19 goals short of the landmark 1,000-goal mark.