Al Hilal Spoil Al Nassr’s Title Celebrations

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Al Nassr were denied a major step toward the Roshn Saudi League title in dramatic fashion, as Bento’s 98th-minute own goal earned Al Hilal a 1–1 draw in the Capital Derby at Al Awwal Park.

A win would have moved Al Nassr eight points clear at the top and put them on the brink of a first league title of the Cristiano Ronaldo era, as well as their first top-flight crown in seven years. Instead, the title race remains alive after a stunning late turnaround.

The hosts looked in control for long spells and took the lead in the 37th minute when Mohamed Simakan swept home a rebound following pressure inside the box. The goal put Al Nassr in a strong position, with Al Hilal forced to chase the game.

The visitors, however, remained dangerous throughout. Bento was called into action early on to deny chances as Al Hilal pushed forward, while Karim Benzema also went close in a competitive first half. Al Nassr responded with opportunities of their own, but Cristiano Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman both missed chances to extend the lead.

Ronaldo was later substituted, and Al Nassr’s attacking threat diminished as Al Hilal committed more bodies forward in search of an equaliser. Deep into stoppage time, a long throw into the box caused chaos in the area. Bento attempted to claim the ball but collided with Iñigo Martínez, and the ball deflected into his own net in the 98th minute.

The dramatic equaliser stunned the home crowd and left Al Nassr players in disbelief as victory slipped away in the final seconds.

Despite the setback, Al Nassr remain five points clear at the top of the table. However, Al Hilal can cut the gap to two points with a game in hand against NEOM on Saturday, setting up a tense finish to the title race.