Al-Nassr FC missed the chance to clinch a crucial victory in their Saudi Pro League title race, as a last-minute own goal delayed Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest for his first trophy in Saudi Arabia. In the 32nd matchday, Ronaldo’s side settled for a 1-1 draw against city rivals and record champions Al-Hilal SFC, thanks to an own goal by goalkeeper Bento in the eighth minute of stoppage time. Earlier, former RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan had headed Al-Nassr into the lead in the 37th minute from a corner delivered by ex-Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman.
With 33 games played, Al-Nassr sit top on 83 points, while Al-Hilal have 78 points from 31 matches, still with two games in hand. Ronaldo and his teammates will host Damac FC in the final round next week, but they could celebrate the title as early as Saturday if Al-Hilal lose at home to NEOM SC. Al-Nassr’s last league title came in 2019, and this would be the club’s 11th championship overall. Ronaldo, who joined from Manchester United in January 2023, has scored 121 goals and provided 24 assists in 141 official appearances for the capital club, but a team trophy has so far eluded him. The 41-year-old was substituted in the 83rd minute against Al-Hilal, a club also owned by the Public Investment Fund alongside Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli.
