Al-Nassr missed the chance to clinch the Saudi Championship after being held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Hilal on Tuesday. Despite taking the lead through a goal from Simakan, a last-minute error by Brazilian goalkeeper Bento handed the hosts a share of the spoils, while star forward Cristiano Ronaldo had a quiet night before being substituted.
The Match
Al-Nassr started brightly but it was Al-Hilal who created the first chance. In the 3rd minute, Karim Benzema went one-on-one with Bento, but the Brazilian shot-stopper made an incredible save to deny him. Shortly after, Cristiano Ronaldo received a through ball and fired a shot across goal, but it went wide and the flag went up for offside.
In the 36th minute, Al-Nassr took the lead from a corner. Iñigo Martínez flicked the ball on, Kingsley Coman headed it across, and Simakan smashed it into the net. Ten minutes later, Al-Hilal made a mess of their buildup, allowing Coman to bear down on goal. He beat goalkeeper Bono but hit the post, with Ronaldo unmarked to his side but the Frenchman chose to shoot.
Second Half
Al-Hilal pressed for an equalizer but struggled to create clear-cut chances. In the 38th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted after a lackluster display. Milinkovic-Savic then received the ball in the box and fired a cross-shot that Bento palmed away for a corner.
Deep into stoppage time, disaster struck for Al-Nassr. A throw-in was launched into the box, and Bento rushed out to punch it clear but instead deflected the ball backward into his own net in a bizarre own goal. The last-gasp strike denied Al-Nassr the victory that would have confirmed the title.
The result leaves the title race open, with Al-Nassr still needing points to secure the championship.
