Late Own Goal Denies Al Nassr Title Glory in Riyadh Derby Draw with Al Hilal

Key Takeaways:

• Al Nassr’s title celebrations were delayed by a 1-1 draw with Al Hilal after goalkeeper Bento’s own goal in added time
• Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates saw an early lead from Mohamed Simakan cancelled out at the death
• Al Nassr can clinch the Saudi league title if they beat Damac on 21 May, but must first play the Asian Champions League 2 final against Gamba Osaka on Saturday

Match Analysis: Riyadh Derby Delivers Late Drama

Al Nassr came breathtakingly close to ending their Saudi Pro League title drought, stretching back to 2018/19, on Tuesday night. However, a staggering mishap from goalkeeper Bento saw the league crown slip from their grasp in a 1-1 draw against city rivals Al Hilal.

Jorge Jesus’ men appeared to have secured the victory following Mohamed Simakan’s opener, only for Bento’s inadvertent own goal in the closing seconds to stun fans and postpone the celebrations. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had looked set to mark the achievement with his teammates, was left crestfallen on the sidelines as the unexpected drama unfolded.

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— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) May 12, 2026

First-Half Intensity and Key Chances

With national team coach Roberto Martinez in attendance, Al Hilal started on the front foot, immediately testing the resolve of Jorge Jesus’ side. Within four minutes, Karim Benzema found himself one-on-one with Bento, but failed to convert a clear opportunity – a significant warning shot for Al Nassr’s title hopes.

The French striker momentarily thought he had fired Al Hilal ahead in the 18th minute, but VAR intervened, disallowing the goal for an offside offence by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic at the start of the move.

Ruben Neves provided a workmanlike display in midfield, tracking Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix, and blocking a threatening effort from Felix that seemed destined to find the net.

As the match approached the half-hour mark, tempers flared and the referee was forced to issue three yellow cards in less than ten minutes as both sides ramped up the physicality.

Simakan’s Strike and Missed Opportunities

With the key Portuguese duo well marshalled, Sadio Mane attempted to inject impetus for Al Nassr, but the game’s tempo shifted following the hydration break. A critical corner ensued from Felix’s denied pass to Ronaldo, allowing Mohamed Simakan to exploit confusion in the area and break the deadlock for Jorge Jesus’ charges.

Ronaldo then unleashed a long-range effort, only to be denied by a superb save from Bono. In first-half stoppage time, a misplaced pass by Milinkovic-Savic gifted Kingsley Coman an opening, but the Frenchman struck the post in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, with Ronaldo unmarked and left frustrated nearby.

Physical Battle and Tactical Substitutions

After the interval, Cristiano Ronaldo volleyed over the bar from inside the box before providing an assist for Felix, whose shot was stopped by the defence. Fatigue began to take its toll as Brozovic departed the pitch injured, prompting Al Hilal to make a triple change, including the substitution of Benzema.

With ten minutes remaining, Ronaldo was substituted for Al-Hamdan, with the crowd responding vocally as Jorge Jesus sought to shore up the lead with Saturday’s Asian Champions League 2 final against Gamba Osaka in mind.

Last-Gasp Heartbreak: Bento’s Late Error

Despite eight minutes of added time, Al Nassr appeared on the brink of securing the championship until the final seconds delivered a cruel twist. During the match’s last play, a long throw into the penalty area resulted in Bento colliding with Inigo Martinez, dramatically turning the ball into his own net for an extraordinary own goal. The incident left the stadium in disbelief and Ronaldo visibly emotional on the bench.

As a result, the title remains undecided, and Al Nassr’s dominant performance – punctuated by Simakan’s goal – was ultimately undermined by the Brazilian keeper’s costly lapse.

Remaining Fixtures and Title Race Implications

Al Nassr’s pursuit of the Saudi title resumes in the final league round, where they must secure victory over Damac on 21 May to be crowned champions. Prior to that, their attention will shift to the Asian Champions League 2 final against Gamba Osaka, which takes place this Saturday.