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Last-Second Own Goal in Riyadh Derby Delays Al‑Nassr’s Title

The draw keeps the title race open, leaving Al‑Nassr to finish the job on the final day.

Overview

  • Al‑Nassr’s 1-0 lead against Al‑Hilal dissolved in the eighth minute of stoppage time Tuesday when goalkeeper Bento fumbled a long throw-in into his own net for a 1-1 draw.
  • The result leaves Al‑Nassr on 83 points from 33 games and Al‑Hilal on 78 from 32, so Al‑Nassr will be champions with a win over Damac or if Al‑Hilal fail to beat Neom next.
  • Mohamed Simakan had put Al‑Nassr ahead in the 37th minute from a corner, and Cristiano Ronaldo, substituted late, later urged calm on social media by writing that the dream is close.
  • The derby’s tense finish featured a touchline melee in stoppage time with a red card shown to a member of the coaching staff before play resumed for the decisive throw-in.
  • Al‑Nassr also host Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final on May 16, offering a near‑term chance at silverware even as the league crown remains unsettled.