Cristiano Ronaldo's pursuit of a maiden Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr suffered a dramatic setback on Tuesday, as a last-gasp own goal denied his side the victory needed to clinch the championship.
Heartbreak in Stoppage Time
Al-Nassr were mere seconds away from securing the league, leading fierce rivals Al-Hilal 1-0 deep into the eighth and final minute of stoppage time. Ronaldo, who had been substituted earlier and was watching nervously from the bench, witnessed his team's hopes dashed in agonising fashion when goalkeeper Bento fumbled a long throw-in into his own net. The match finished 1-1, leaving the title race alive and Ronaldo visibly distraught.
Al-Hilal scored a late equaliser when Al-Nassr's Bento dropped the ball into his own net, a moment that will be replayed for years to come.
Ronaldo's Rallying Cry
"The dream is close," Ronaldo later posted on X in a rallying cry to his teammates and more than 100 million followers. "Heads up, we have one more step to take!" Al-Nassr have not won the Saudi league since 2019, a period predating Ronaldo's game-changing arrival, which was part of Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a major force in global football.
Despite the derby drama, the league drought is still likely to end. Al-Nassr currently hold a five-point lead over Al-Hilal and can guarantee the title by defeating relegation-threatened Damac at home in the final round on May 21. Al-Hilal, with two games remaining, could close the gap to two points if they win their first match against Neom on Saturday.
Upcoming Challenges
Before the league decider, the five-time Ballon d'Or could secure his first major trophy with Al-Nassr when they face Japan's Gamba Osaka in the Champions League Two final in Riyadh on Sunday. Following the club season, Ronaldo is set to participate in his sixth World Cup with Portugal, with Fifa having deferred two games of a three-match ban. He has stated this will be his final attempt at winning football's biggest prize. He still has a year left on his Al-Nassr contract and is rapidly approaching 1,000 career goals.
The football world watches as Ronaldo, now 41, continues to defy age and expectations, with his legacy on the line in the coming weeks.
