Ballistic missile delays Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite match

Al-Nassr’s match against Neftchi in the second matchday of the AFC Champions League Elite began more than 15 minutes late on Monday evening. A ballistic missile delayed kick-off as the scheduled start coincided with security developments in Riyadh.

A spokesperson for the coalition forces announced that a ballistic missile launched by the Houthi militia towards Riyadh had been intercepted and destroyed. The episode unfolded while supporters were inside Al-Awwal Park to watch the Asian fixture.

As the delay continued, the stadium’s public-address system urged fans not to be afraid, to remain in their seats and not to leave the venue, assuring them that the situation was safe.

On the field, Al-Nassr entered the second matchday looking for a positive result in front of its supporters and a chance to make amends for its opening-day setback. The delayed start therefore disrupted the launch of an important match for the club’s ambitions in the league phase.