By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2026 - Al Nassr FC were seconds away from securing the Saudi Pro League title before a devastating stoppage-time own goal from goalkeeper Bento handed rivals Al Hilal SFC a dramatic 1–1 draw in one of the most heartbreaking moments of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi career.
The Riyadh derby at Al-Awwal Park had all the intensity expected from Saudi Arabia’s biggest football rivalry, but few could have imagined the chaos that would unfold in the final moments. Al Nassr entered the match knowing victory would effectively secure their first league title since the 2018–19 season and potentially deliver Cristiano Ronaldo his first domestic league trophy in Saudi Arabia. Instead, the celebrations were postponed in cruel fashion.
The atmosphere inside the stadium before kickoff reflected the importance of the occasion.
Supporters filled Al-Awwal Park expecting a historic night, while the pressure surrounding both clubs was enormous. Al Nassr held a five-point lead over Al Hilal heading into the derby, but Simone Inzaghi’s side still had a game in hand, meaning the title race remained mathematically alive.
Cristiano Ronaldo once again carried much of the attention.
The Portuguese superstar came into the match as the league’s leading scorer and one of the central figures behind Al Nassr’s impressive title push this season. Ronaldo looked determined from the opening whistle and nearly opened the scoring early with a powerful effort that forced a strong save from Yassine Bounou.
Despite the tension, the match itself developed into a tactical and physical contest between two teams fully aware of what was at stake.
Al Hilal enjoyed periods of possession during the opening stages, while Al Nassr relied on transitions and set pieces to create danger. Sadio Mané, João Félix, and Kingsley Coman all threatened for the home side, but neither team managed to establish complete control in the first half.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 37th minute.
From a well-worked corner delivery, defender Mohamed Simakan rose highest inside the penalty area and powered a header beyond Bounou to send Al-Awwal Park into celebration. The goal sparked huge scenes among the Al Nassr supporters, who sensed the title was moving closer.
Al Nassr then produced what was arguably their most disciplined defensive performance in recent months.
Marcelo Brozović controlled the tempo in midfield, while Aymeric Laporte and Simakan dealt effectively with much of Al Hilal’s attacking threat. Cristiano Ronaldo continued searching for a decisive second goal, but Al Nassr were unable to fully kill off the contest despite several promising opportunities.
As the match moved into stoppage time, the stadium began preparing for celebrations.
Ronaldo had already been substituted in the 83rd minute and watched nervously from the bench as Al Nassr attempted to hold onto their advantage. With over 98 minutes played, the title appeared won.
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Then came the moment that changed everything.
Deep into the eighth minute of added time, Al Hilal launched a long throw-in into the Al Nassr penalty area. Goalkeeper Bento rushed off his line attempting to claim the ball, but confusion followed after contact involving teammate Iñigo Martínez. Under pressure, Bento completely misjudged the situation and accidentally diverted the ball into his own net.
The stadium instantly fell silent.
Al Hilal players celebrated wildly while Al Nassr’s players collapsed in disbelief. Television footage showed Cristiano Ronaldo looking devastated on the bench before walking down the tunnel moments after the final whistle.
The goal immediately became one of the biggest talking points in Saudi football this season.
Social media exploded with reactions to Bento’s mistake, with clips of the own goal spreading rapidly online. Many supporters described it as one of the most dramatic endings in recent Saudi Pro League history.
Despite the heartbreak, Al Nassr remain in control of the title race.
The draw leaves Ronaldo’s side five points clear of Al Hilal, although their rivals still hold a game in hand. Because Saudi Pro League rules prioritize head-to-head results before goal difference, Al Nassr must defeat Damac FC on the final matchday to guarantee the championship regardless of Al Hilal’s results.
That final fixture against Damac has now become one of the biggest matches of Al Nassr’s modern era.
For Cristiano Ronaldo, the stakes are especially significant. Since arriving in Saudi Arabia in late 2022, the Portuguese icon has delivered goals, global attention, and commercial growth to the league, but a domestic league title has remained frustratingly out of reach. This season appeared ready to finally change that narrative before Bento’s late mistake delayed the celebrations.
The emotional impact of the result was visible everywhere after the match.
Al Nassr supporters stood stunned inside the stadium, players struggled to process what had happened, and the title race that seemed finished suddenly came alive again.
And now Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr must survive one final night of pressure before they can finally call themselves champions.