Cristiano Ronaldo’s long pursuit of a Saudi Pro League title suffered another heartbreaking setback on Tuesday night after a dramatic late own goal denied Al Nassr victory in a tense Riyadh derby against Al Hilal.
The Portuguese superstar appeared on course to edge closer to winning his first league crown in Saudi Arabia as Al Nassr led for most of the match at Al Awwal Park. But deep into stoppage time, a costly error from goalkeeper Bento turned celebration into frustration, leaving the title race hanging in the balance with only a few games remaining this season.
The clash between the two Riyadh giants carried enormous significance. Al Nassr entered the encounter knowing a victory would strengthen their grip on the Saudi Pro League summit and move Ronaldo within touching distance of adding another domestic title to his glittering career. Al Hilal, however, arrived determined to keep their championship hopes alive and prevent their fierce rivals from pulling away at the top of the standings.
The atmosphere inside the packed stadium reflected the importance of the occasion. Thousands of supporters created a charged environment long before kickoff, with fans from both clubs aware that the result could define the final weeks of the season.
Al Nassr began the match brightly and looked more dangerous in the opening exchanges. Ronaldo, despite facing constant attention from defenders, remained heavily involved in the attacking movement of his side. The 41 year old forward linked up well with Sadio Mané and João Félix as Al Nassr pushed aggressively for an early breakthrough.
Their pressure eventually paid off midway through the first half when French defender Mohamed Simakan found the back of the net from close range after a dangerous delivery into the penalty area caused confusion among Al Hilal defenders. The goal sparked wild celebrations among Al Nassr supporters, who sensed a crucial victory was within reach.
After taking the lead, Al Nassr attempted to control possession and limit Al Hilal’s attacking opportunities. The visitors struggled to create clear chances for long periods as Al Nassr’s defensive line remained disciplined under pressure.
Ronaldo continued to search for a goal of his own throughout the match. Although he was unable to score, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star played an influential role by dragging defenders out of position and helping create space for his teammates in dangerous areas.
As the match moved into the final stages, tensions rose significantly. Players from both teams became involved in heated confrontations following several strong tackles and controversial refereeing decisions. The intensity of the rivalry was evident as emotions spilled over near the touchline.
With Al Nassr still leading by a single goal, Ronaldo was substituted in the 83rd minute as manager Luís Castro attempted to preserve the advantage and inject fresh energy into the side’s defensive setup. The Portuguese forward received loud applause from the home supporters as he walked off the pitch, believing his team was close to a vital win.
However, the dramatic twist arrived in stoppage time.
Al Hilal launched one final attack into the Al Nassr penalty area with seconds remaining. A seemingly harmless throw in created unexpected chaos inside the box. Goalkeeper Bento moved forward to collect the ball confidently, but under pressure from players around him, he lost control at the worst possible moment.
In a devastating sequence for the home side, the Brazilian goalkeeper accidentally pushed the ball into his own net, handing Al Hilal a dramatic equaliser that stunned everyone inside the stadium.
Al Hilal players erupted in celebration while Al Nassr stars collapsed in disbelief. Ronaldo, watching from the bench, appeared visibly shocked by the mistake. Television cameras captured the football icon staring silently toward the pitch moments after the own goal before frustration took over at the final whistle.
The result represents another painful moment in Ronaldo’s quest to secure league success in Saudi Arabia since joining Al Nassr in December 2022. Although the Portuguese captain has delivered goals consistently and remains one of the league’s standout performers, major domestic silverware has continued to slip away in dramatic fashion.
This season had appeared different for Al Nassr, especially after an impressive run of victories placed them in a strong position at the top of the table. Ronaldo’s goals and leadership were widely credited as key factors behind the club’s resurgence.
Despite the disappointment, the title race is far from over. Al Nassr still remain among the leading contenders, but the late collapse against Al Hilal has reopened the battle and increased pressure heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
For Ronaldo, whose career has been built on winning trophies and responding to setbacks, the coming weeks may now define whether his Saudi Arabian journey finally delivers the league title he has been chasing.
