In a crucial match of the Saudi Pro League’s 32nd round, Al Nassr hosted Al Hilal at home, desperately needing a win to clinch the league title early. Despite taking the lead and controlling much of the game, Al Nassr conceded a shocking equalizer in stoppage time due to a goalkeeper’s howler, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo stunned on the sidelines.
Al Nassr went into the match with a 442 formation, featuring Ronaldo and Joao Felix up front, supported by a midfield of Koman, Ali Hassan, Brozovic, and Mane. The defense consisted of Nawaf Boushal, Simakan, Abdullah Al-Amri, and Martinez, with Bento in goal. Al Hilal fielded a strong lineup including Benzema, Theo Hernandez, Milinkovic-Savic, Malcolm, Ruben Neves, and Bounou.
Early in the game, Benzema missed a golden opportunity when his close-range shot was saved by Bento. Ronaldo then saw a low shot go wide. In the 16th minute, Felix’s effort was blocked. Benzema had a goal ruled out for offside shortly after. Al Nassr broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Simakan scored from a corner, converting Koman’s assist. Four minutes later, Ronaldo’s long-range effort was brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper. Just before halftime, Koman hit the post from a one-on-one chance, and Al Nassr led 1-0 at the break.
In the second half, Ronaldo fired another chance wide in the 48th minute. Al Nassr made substitutions, with Nasser replacing Hassan in the 55th minute. Savic was booked for a foul, and Benzema was substituted in the 70th minute. Felix received a yellow card for a foul in the 75th minute. Ronaldo was taken off in the 83rd minute. In the dying seconds of stoppage time, goalkeeper Bento came off his line to claim a cross but spilled the ball, allowing it to roll into the net. The error left Ronaldo and the Al Nassr bench in disbelief. The match ended 1-1, denying Al Nassr the chance to clinch the title early.
Ronaldo had a quiet game, managing three shots with only one on target and failing to score. Despite the draw, Al Nassr still holds the advantage in the title race. With 83 points from 32 games, they lead second-placed Al Hilal by five points, though Al Hilal have two games in hand. Al Nassr need just a win in their final match to secure the championship, or they can rely on Al Hilal dropping points in their remaining fixtures.