OUR TEAM NARROWLY SUFFERS DEFEAT ON THE ROAD
As expected, the match kicked off with high intensity from both sides. However, the hosts gradually managed to take control of the game. Their pressure paid off in the 34th minute when Ángelo, left unmarked inside our penalty box, found the back of the net with a powerful strike — 1:0.
After conceding the opener, the hosts kept up their attacking momentum. In the 42nd minute, the experienced Ronaldo doubled their lead with a precise, powerful shot into our goal — 2:0.
Shortly after, our team orchestrated a fine combination to pull one back, but the VAR officials ruled out Marcus Forss's goal for offside. The scoreline remained unchanged until the end of the first half.
The second half began with fierce attacks from our side, and these efforts paid off in the 51st minute. Alisher Odilov received the ball in a favorable position inside the penalty area and beat the goalkeeper with a sharp finish — 2:1.
Buoyed by the goal, our players pushed forward in search of an equalizer. However, in the 65th minute, Ikrom Aliboyev received a red card for a harsh foul on an opponent and was forced off the pitch.
Playing a man down, our team faced increasing pressure in defense and conceded a third goal in the 78th minute. A host player broke into our penalty box from the left flank and unleashed a powerful shot. Unfortunately, defender Anvarjon Gofurov's attempt to block the ball resulted in an own goal — 3:1.
Despite being behind and shorthanded, our side never gave up and continued to mount dangerous counter-attacks. However, these attempts yielded no further goals. The score remained 3:1 through four minutes of injury time, concluding a hard-fought away match for our ten-man squad.
AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ELITE 2026/2027
October 12 | Matchday 2
Riyadh, "Al-Awwal Park" Stadium | 21:15
AL-NASSR 3–1 NEFTCHI
- Goals: Ángelo 34' (1–0), Ronaldo 42' (2–0), Alisher Odilov 51' (2–1), Anvarjon Gofurov 78' OG (3–1)
- Red Card: Ikrom Aliboyev 65' (Neftchi)
- Referee: Ma Ning (China PR)
- Assistant Referees: Zhou Fei (China PR), Luo Zheng (China PR)
- Fourth Official: Zhang Lei (China PR)
- VAR: Fu Ming (China PR)
- AVAR: Du Jianxin (China PR)
- Referee Assessor: Ismail Adnan Alhafi (Jordan)
- Match Commissioner: Bassem El Zouhairi (Lebanon)
Neftchi: 1. Botirali Ergashev, 3. Michel Augusto (77. Ratinho 69'), 4. Bojan Ciger, 5. Ikrom Aliboyev, 6. Ibrokhimkhalil Yuldoshev (34. Farrukh Sayfiyev 46'), 7. Abrorbek Ismoilov (11. Asilbek Jumayev 61'), 10. Jamshid Iskanderov, 20. Anvarjon Gofurov, 31. Yan Sasse (22. Alisher Odilov 46'), 52. Koffi Kouao, 88. Marcus Forss (18. Stipe Perica 61').
Substitutes: 45. Akbar Turayev, 8. Vladimir Jovović, 9. Khurshid Giyosov, 15. Nurmukhammad Abduganiyev, 21. Mukhsinjon Ubaydullayev, 32. Zoran Marušić, 71. Bilolkhon Toshmirzayev.
Head Coach: Islombek Ismoilov
PFC Neftchi Press Service