By Daily Review Online
Cristiano Ronaldo was left furious after Al Nassr squandered a golden opportunity to clinch the Saudi Pro League title following a dramatic late collapse against rivals Al Hilal on Tuesday night.
Al Nassr appeared set to secure their first league title since 2019 after taking a first-half lead in the heated Capital Derby in Riyadh. A victory would have handed Ronaldo’s side an unassailable seven-point lead at the top of the table with only one match remaining.
Defender Mohamed Simakan gave Al Nassr the advantage in the opening half, while Ronaldo and his teammates controlled much of the contest in front of a packed crowd at Al Awwal Park.
However, the match descended into chaos in stoppage time after tensions flared between players and coaching staff from both sides. The confrontation reportedly began following an altercation involving Theo Hernández, with benches emptying as tempers boiled over.
One of Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus’ assistants was shown a red card as officials struggled to restore order.
Moments later, disaster struck for Al Nassr. Goalkeeper Bento produced a costly error that resulted in a dramatic own goal, handing Al Hilal a late equaliser and keeping the title race alive.
Television cameras immediately focused on Ronaldo, who had been substituted in the 83rd minute. The Portuguese superstar was seen shaking his head in disbelief before walking straight down the tunnel after the final whistle.
The result leaves Al Hilal five points behind the league leaders with a game in hand, meaning the title race could now go down to the final day of the season.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in 2023, is still chasing his first Saudi Pro League title despite another prolific campaign in front of goal. The 41-year-old has scored 26 league goals this season and helped drive the club’s impressive late-season run.
Al Nassr could still end the season with silverware as attention now shifts to Saturday’s AFC Champions League Two final against Japan’s Gamba Osaka.