Ronaldo's Al Nassr Match Delayed by Missile Alert in Riyadh

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr AFC Champions League match against Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana was delayed on October 12 due to a security alert in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This alert was issued by the National Early Warning Platform shortly before the scheduled kick-off, amid a series of missile attacks and explosions in the kingdom.

Players and match officials remained in the tunnel while the situation was assessed, causing heightened anxiety among supporters. The match eventually received clearance to proceed, with a rearranged kick-off at 9:15 p.m.

Saudi time. This incident underscores the growing security challenges in Saudi Arabia, particularly following attacks on infrastructure, including King Khalid International Airport.

On October 8, the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting three ballistic missiles aimed at the kingdom, with debris from one missile causing damage to a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex in Riyadh. Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the missile attacks, marking a significant escalation in the security situation.