Al Nassr wait for a first Saudi league title since the 2018/19 season; and the was extended in dramatic fashion after a stoppage-time error from goalkeeper Bento handed rivals Al Hilal a 1-1 draw in a tense derby clash on Tuesday night.
The league leaders had been moments away from securing the championship after defender Mohamed Simakan gave Jorge Jesus’ side the lead in the second half. Supporters inside the stadium had already begun celebrating what appeared certain to be a title-winning victory.
However, deep into added time, a chaotic long throw into the penalty area led to a costly mix-up. Bento rushed off his line in an attempt to clear the danger, collided with Inigo Martinez and inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net.
The late equaliser stunned the home crowd and forced Al Nassr to postpone hopes of lifting the league trophy.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who had started the match but was substituted late on, was visibly upset on the bench as celebrations abruptly ended. The Portugal captain had appeared close to adding another domestic league title to his career honours before the dramatic twist.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez watched from the stands as Al Hilal made the brighter start to the match. Karim Benzema nearly gave the visitors an early advantage after breaking through on goal in the opening minutes, but failed to convert his one-on-one opportunity with Bento.
Benzema later found the net in the 18th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out following a VAR review. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was judged to have been offside during the build-up, leaving the game level.
Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves played an influential role throughout the contest, helping to limit the impact of Ronaldo and Joao Felix while also making an important block to deny Felix from close range.
As the intensity of the derby increased, the referee was forced to intervene repeatedly, issuing three yellow cards in quick succession to calm tensions between the two sides.
Al Nassr gradually improved and looked more dangerous through Sadio Mane, whose direct running created problems for the visitors’ defence. The breakthrough eventually arrived following a corner after Felix’s attempted pass to Ronaldo had been cut out.
Confusion inside the penalty area allowed Simakan to react quickest and score, sending the stadium into celebration and moving Al Nassr within touching distance of the title.
Ronaldo continued to threaten after the goal and tested goalkeeper Bono with a powerful long-range effort, but the Moroccan international produced an impressive save to keep Al Hilal in the contest.
The visitors were fortunate not to fall further behind shortly before halftime. A mistake from Milinkovic-Savic gifted possession to Kingsley Coman, who raced through on goal. Despite Ronaldo being unmarked nearby, Coman struck the post with his effort.
Al Nassr remained on the front foot after the restart. Ronaldo fired over from inside the area before creating another opportunity for Felix, whose shot was blocked.
Fatigue began to affect both sides during the closing stages. Marcelo Brozovic was forced off through injury, while Al Hilal made several substitutions, including replacing Benzema.
With one eye on Saturday’s Asian Champions League 2 final against Gamba Osaka, Jorge Jesus substituted Ronaldo with 10 minutes remaining in an attempt to protect the narrow lead.
Even after eight minutes of added time, Al Nassr still appeared on course for victory and the league title. But Bento’s late error transformed the outcome and ensured the championship race would continue into the final round of fixtures.
Despite the setback, Al Nassr remain in control of their destiny and can still secure the Saudi league crown if they defeat Damac FC in their final match on 21 May.
