The Saudi league title that seemed destined for Cristiano Ronaldo slipped away in improbable fashion during stoppage time of Tuesday’s derby. Al-Nassr was leading Al-Hilal 1-0 until the 52nd minute of the second half, when goalkeeper Bento committed a bizarre error that sealed a 1-1 draw and postponed the Saudi Pro League coronation.
After a throw-in into the area, Bento rushed out to punch the ball but instead deflected it backward, scoring an own goal on the final play of the match. The immediate reaction from Al-Nassr players was disbelief, while Al-Hilal players celebrated the equalizer as if it were a title-winning goal.
A victory would have mathematically secured the trophy for Al-Nassr, which has been trying to end a long streak of disappointments in Saudi football since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in December 2022. With the draw, the gap between the rivals remains five points, but Al-Hilal still has a game in hand over the final two rounds.
The mistake comes at a crucial moment for Bento, who has been among the names considered for future Brazil national team call-ups. The former Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper had been praised for his consistency in Saudi football, but found himself negatively involved in one of the most decisive plays of the local season.
For Cristiano Ronaldo, the script took on an even more frustrating tone. After accumulating runner-up finishes, eliminations, and lost finals since arriving in the country, the Portuguese star saw his first major official title with Al-Nassr literally slip away on the final touch of the match.
