Cristiano Ronaldo walked straight down the tunnel in frustration after Al Nassr surrendered a crucial victory against Al Hilal on Tuesday night.
Al Nassr were seconds away from sealing a massive win in the Saudi Pro League title race before goalkeeper Bento’s costly stoppage-time own goal earned Al Hilal a dramatic 1-1 draw in the Capital Derby.
The result leaves Al Nassr still in control of the title race, but without the chance to secure the championship early.
Bento error stuns Al Nassr
Defender Mohamed Simakan had given Al Nassr the lead in the first half, with Ronaldo and his teammates appearing set to end the club’s long wait for another league title.
The visitors controlled large parts of the contest before chaos erupted late on.
A heated touchline confrontation involving players and coaching staff from both teams sparked a mass brawl during stoppage time. One of Jorge Jesus’ assistants was shown a red card as tempers flared on the sidelines.
Moments later came the decisive turning point.
Under pressure inside his own area, Bento mishandled the ball into his own net, silencing the packed Al Awwal Park crowd and handing Al Hilal a lifeline in the title race.
Television cameras immediately focused on Ronaldo, who had already been substituted in the 83rd minute. The Portuguese forward looked visibly stunned before heading directly down the tunnel after the final whistle.
Title race remains alive
Victory would have moved Al Nassr seven points clear with only one game remaining for them.
Instead, the draw leaves Al Hilal five points behind with a game in hand, keeping the championship battle alive heading into the final stretch of the season.
Ronaldo’s wait for a Saudi Pro League title therefore continues despite another prolific campaign from the veteran forward, who has scored 26 league goals this season.
The 41-year-old has remained central to Al Nassr’s title challenge alongside high-profile teammates including Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic and Kingsley Coman.
Attention now shifts to the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka on Saturday, where Al Nassr could still move closer to a potential domestic and continental double.