Cristiano Ronaldo left heartbroken as Al Hilal shatter Al Nassr’s Saudi title hopes

Cristiano Ronaldo could only watch in disbelief as Al Nassr let a massive Saudi Pro League title opportunity slip away against fierce rivals Al Hilal on Tuesday.

Just moments away from a statement derby win, Al Nassr conceded a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in a crushing 1-1 draw that has reopened the title race late in the season.

For most of the night at Alawwal Park, Al Nassr appeared in complete control. The atmosphere was tense with the title race nearing its climax, but the home side gradually settled into the contest and eventually grabbed the breakthrough through Mohamed Simakan’s excellent first-half finish.

Once ahead, Al Nassr looked comfortable managing the tempo while Al Hilal struggled to create clear-cut chances. However, the game-changing moment arrived just before half-time when Kingsley Coman intercepted a loose pass and found himself with a golden chance to double the lead. With the goal at his mercy, the French winger struck the woodwork instead — a miss that would later prove costly.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Al Nassr only needed to survive one final attack to move within touching distance of the league title. Instead, disaster struck. A routine delivery into the penalty area led to confusion between goalkeeper Bento and defender Inigo Martinez, with both players hesitating under pressure. Their miscommunication ended with the ball finding the back of Al Nassr’s own net in heartbreaking fashion.

Ronaldo, who had been substituted in the 83rd minute by manager Jorge Jesus, sat silently in the dugout after the final whistle. The Portuguese superstar stared into the distance in frustration as Al Nassr’s players struggled to process how quickly victory had slipped away.

Despite the late collapse, Al Nassr still remain top of the Saudi Pro League table with 83 points and control their own destiny heading into the final round of the season. A win in their last league match would guarantee Ronaldo his first Saudi league title.

However, the draw has handed fresh hope to Al Hilal, who sit five points behind with two matches remaining against Neom and Al Fayha. Should Al Nassr stumble again in their final fixture, the title race could yet take another dramatic turn.