Al Nassr vs Neftchi in Riyadh did not start at scheduled 20:15 amid security reports

The AFC Champions League second-round match between Al Nassr — featuring Cristiano Ronaldo — and Neftchi (Uzbekistan) did not kick off at the scheduled time on the evening of October 12, 2026. The fixture, set to begin at 20:15 in Riyadh, remained delayed and no official explanation was released by the clubs or competition organisers.

Because the reason for the postponement was not announced, speculation about the security situation in Saudi Arabia's capital quickly spread among fans and commentators.

Reports link delay to airport rocket strikes

Media accounts circulating ahead of and during the scheduled kick-off cited recent rocket attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Those reports said that at least 12 people were killed and 309 wounded in an attack carried out on Saturday by Yemeni Houthi rebels, and that this was the third such strike on the airport within a week. The situation has already been described as having affected the staging of sporting events in the country.

Organisers and the clubs involved have so far issued no formal statement explaining the delay or a new start time. Supporters inside the stadium and viewers watching from abroad remained uncertain while teams prepared in the lead-up to the match.

Further updates are expected from competition authorities and local security services; until then the match status remains unresolved and subject to official confirmation.

Photo: press material from the event