UAE side Al Ain thrashed Iraq's Al Quwa Al Jawiya 4-0 to move top of Group B in the AFC Champions League Elite, making it two wins from two for Vladimir Ivic's side. Striker Houssine Rahimi scored twice in the rout, helping Al Ain leapfrog Tajikistan's Esteghlal to first place on goal difference with a perfect record so far.
In the group's other fixture, Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr beat Uzbekistan's Neftchi Fergana 3-1, in a match remembered as much for a milestone as for the result. Cristiano Ronaldo tapped in his 981st career goal in the 42nd minute, finishing off a knockdown from teammate Ayman Yahya. Kick-off had been delayed by 20 minutes because of a security alert following recent Houthi attacks on Riyadh.
Al Nassr coach Ange Postecoglou said afterwards he had been concerned for his players' safety given the circumstances but was pleased with the professionalism they showed on the pitch. Al Ain's Ivic, meanwhile, called the win a message to his own squad about what it is capable of, saying that mattered more to him than anything else.
Elsewhere in the group, Saudi side Al Qadsiah drew 1-1 away at Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor, with Tijjani Reijnders on the scoresheet. With the group still wide open, the battle for top spot in Group B is set to continue over the coming matchdays.