Al-Nassr’s long-awaited return to the summit of Saudi Arabian football was within reaching distance before a catastrophic lapse in concentration in the 98th minute turned a night of celebration into one of frustration.

Leading 1-0 against arch-rivals Al-Hilal, the hosts were less than sixty seconds away from officially securing their first Saudi Pro League title since the 2018-19 season.

However, a bizarre own goal from goalkeeper Bento ensured that Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates must wait a little longer to lift the trophy.

The match began with Al-Nassr showing the composure of champions. They dominated the early exchanges and broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Mohamed Simakan rose highest to meet a Kingsley Coman corner, powering a header into the back of the net.

The stadium was electric as fans anticipated the crowning of a new champion, and for the vast majority of the game, Al-Nassr’s defense held firm against Al-Hilal’s pressure.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s evening was a mix of high intensity and missed opportunities. Despite constant encouragement from his family in the stands, the legendary forward found it difficult to break through a resilient Al-Hilal backline. His best effort came via a signature long-range strike that seemed destined for the top corner, only to be denied by an acrobatic save from Yassine Bounou.

Frustration grew for the captain as the game wore on, and he was eventually substituted in the 83rd minute for Abdullah Al-Hamdan, watching the final drama unfold from the bench.

The match reached its breaking point in the eighth minute of stoppage time. With Al-Hilal throwing everything forward, a routine long throw-in into the box caused total chaos.

A disastrous miscommunication between Bento and defender Inigo Martínez saw the Brazilian goalkeeper fail to secure the ball, inadvertently fumbling it into his own net.

The shock equalizer silenced the home crowd and sparked wild celebrations in the away end, as Al-Hilal managed to keep the mathematical title race alive.

Al-Nassr still maintains a five-point lead at the top of the table, but the path to the trophy has become more complicated. Al-Hilal has two games remaining and could still pressure the leaders if results go their way.

Ronaldo’s side now turns their focus to a massive week where they face Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final this Saturday before their final league decider against Damac FC next Thursday.

While the party in Riyadh has been delayed, Al-Nassr remains the heavy favorite to eventually secure the silverware.