Al-Nassr missed the chance to secure the Saudi Pro League title on Tuesday evening after a 1-1 draw with their traditional rivals Al-Hilal at Al-Awwal Park in Round 32.
Mohammed Simakan put Al-Nassr ahead in the 37th minute, and the home fans were ready to celebrate the league crown. However, goalkeeper Bento made a costly error in the dying seconds of stoppage time (90+8), failing to handle a long throw-in and scoring an own goal.
The victory was essential for Al-Nassr to officially win the Saudi league for the first time in seven years.
Despite the heartbreaking draw, Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammates still control their own destiny for the title this season.
Al-Nassr sit top of the Saudi league table with 83 points, with one match remaining in the final round against Damac, a team fighting relegation.
Al-Hilal are second with 78 points, with two games left against Neom and Al-Fayha.
There are three scenarios in which Al-Nassr can be crowned champions. The first is a draw or loss for Al-Hilal against Neom on Saturday in the penultimate round.
The second scenario is an Al-Nassr win over Damac, regardless of the result of the Al-Hilal vs. Al-Fayha match in the final round (if Al-Hilal beat Neom).
The third scenario involves Al-Nassr stumbling against Damac—either drawing or losing—provided Al-Hilal do not win their match against Al-Fayha.
It is also worth noting that Al-Nassr are preparing for the AFC Champions League 2 final on Saturday against Japan’s Gamba Osaka at Al-Awwal Park.
Cristiano Ronaldo is still seeking his first major trophy with Al-Nassr since joining the club in January 2023.
