Late Al-Hilal equalizer denies Al-Nassr SPL glory

RIYADH: Al-Nassr were mere seconds away from securing the Saudi Pro League title for the first time since 2019 when glory was snatched away from them in dramatic fashion.

City rivals Al-Hilal ensured any celebrations would be delayed until the final matchday after Bento failed to claim a throw-in deep into stoppage time and bundled the ball into his own net.

The Capital Derby between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal ended 1-1, with Al-Awwal Park on the verge of erupting into celebration until Al-Hilal’s dramatic late equaliser. A tense and chaotic derby ensured the title race remains alive heading into the final days of the season.

The energy on the night was palpable. Even before kickoff, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal supporters were competing to see who could generate the loudest atmosphere during the warm-ups.

Both sides entered the match with their strongest available lineups, although Al-Nassr were without enforcer Abdullah Al-Khaibari and playmaker Angelo through injury.

The stakes, however, differed for each side. Victory for Al-Nassr would secure their first Saudi Pro League title since 2019. For Al-Hilal, a win would hand them the advantage in the title race, with their game in hand against NEOM presenting the opportunity to leapfrog their rivals into first place by a single point.

Despite the stakes, the opening half was played at a frantic pace. Both sides pushed aggressively in transition rather than settling into a cautious rhythm, with chances emerging at both ends early on.

Al-Hilal threatened first when Karim Benzema broke through from a low cross, only for Bento to produce an excellent save. Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had responded moments later, but his chance was eventually ruled out for offside.

In the 18th