Al-Nassr, the Saudi Professional League leader, squandered an opportunity to clinch the title prematurely after a shocking own goal deep into stoppage time. Playing at home against second-placed Al-Hilal, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team settled for a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night, thanks to a costly blunder by goalkeeper Bento.
The match seemed all but won when Mohamed Simakan put Al-Nassr ahead in the 37th minute. As the clock ticked into the eighth minute of added time, fans and players alike were counting down the seconds to celebrate the championship.
Then disaster struck. Al-Hilal earned a throw-in deep in stoppage time. Substitute Ali Lajami hurled the ball into the box from distance, though no teammate was nearby. Despite this, goalkeeper Bento charged out to punch it clear but was accidentally obstructed by his own defender, Inigo Martinez. The 26-year-old keeper let the ball slip through his hands, and it rolled uncontrollably toward the empty net.
Simakan raced back in a desperate attempt to clear, but it was too late. The own goal sparked wild celebrations among the visitors and silenced the home crowd, turning what would have been a title party into a tragicomedy.
Ronaldo, who had been substituted earlier, sat on the bench in disbelief. The 40-year-old star initially showed little emotion, then covered his face with his hands as the reality set in. Moments later, the referee blew the final whistle immediately after the restart.
Despite the draw, Al-Nassr still holds a five-point lead over Al-Hilal with one match remaining, while their rivals have two games left. For Ronaldo, the wait for his first league title in Saudi Arabia continues, but the team remains in the driver’s seat.
