A dramatic injury-time own goal from goalkeeper Bento denied Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr an immediate Saudi Pro League title celebration after a tense 1-1 draw against Al Hilal on Tuesday.
Al Nassr appeared moments away from securing the championship in front of their home supporters before disaster struck deep into stoppage time.
With the clock already in the eighth minute of added time, Bento mistakenly fumbled a long throw into his own net, handing Al Hilal a dramatic equalizer.
The result means Al Nassr remains five points clear of second-placed Al Hilal with only one match left in the season.
However, Al Hilal still has a game in hand, keeping the title race mathematically alive heading into the final stretch.
Despite the setback, Al Nassr can still officially clinch the Saudi Pro League title when they face Damac FC next week.
For Ronaldo, the league trophy remains particularly significant.
The Portuguese superstar joined Al Nassr in 2023 on a historic contract that transformed global attention toward Saudi football and helped trigger a wave of major international signings.
Since Ronaldo’s arrival, stars including Neymar and Karim Benzema have also moved to Saudi Arabia, increasing the league’s global visibility.
However, despite individual scoring achievements and strong performances, Ronaldo has yet to win a domestic league title with Al Nassr.
The late equalizer against Al Hilal delayed what many supporters believed would finally be the moment Ronaldo lifted his first Saudi league crown.
The dramatic finish has heightened anticipation ahead of Al Nassr’s final league fixture, where the club will attempt to secure the championship.
