Al Nassr’s long-awaited Saudi Pro League title celebrations were cruelly postponed on Tuesday evening after goalkeeper Bento Krepski fumbled a long throw-in in the eighth minute of stoppage time to gift Al Hilal a 1–1 draw at Al-Awwal Park, shattering the hopes of a packed home crowd and leaving Cristiano Ronaldo’s title quest unresolved heading into the final matchday.
A win would have given Al Nassr an eight-point lead and sealed their first Saudi Pro League title since the 2018–19 season as well as Cristiano Ronaldo’s first league title with the club. Instead, one costly mistake kept the title race alive and gave Al Hilal hope of a comeback.
The draw leaves Al Nassr top of the table with 83 points after 33 matches. Al Hilal are second with 78 points and still have two games left. If Al Nassr beat Damac FC in their final match, they will be champions no matter what Al Hilal do. But if they drop points, Al Hilal still unbeaten in the league this season could take advantage and snatch the title.
In the Post match conference, Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus acknowledged fatigue as a mounting concern, noting that several key players are feeling the physical toll of a demanding schedule that includes the AFC Champions League Two final ahead of their decisive league fixture. The Portuguese tactician, however, remained measured in his public address, urging supporters to keep faith ahead of what promises to be a highly charged final day.
Not every Al Nassr FC fan could hide their frustration. One angry fan said, “No club in the world hurts its fans like Al Nassr. We are tired. If you can’t win the league, just shut down the club!”
Al Nassr now face Damac FC in their final Saudi Pro League match, knowing that a win will guarantee the title no matter what Al Hilal SFC do. The pressure is huge, and Bento’s costly mistake is a reminder that nothing is decided until the final whistle.