Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League title celebrations were put on hold in heartbreaking fashion after a stoppage-time goalkeeping error denied them victory against Al Hilal on Tuesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo's side looked set to seal the championship before goalkeeper Bento failed to deal with a long throw in the eighth minute of added time, diverting the ball into his own net as the Riyadh derby ended 1-1.
The result left Ronaldo visibly deflated, as he was seen slumping on his chair in the dugout and forced Al Nassr to wait a little longer for what could be a historic league triumph.
Despite the late setback, Al Nassr remain firmly in control of the title race. They sit top of the table with 83 points from 33 matches, while second-placed Al Hilal have 78 points with two games still to play.
The title battle has been one of the closest in recent Saudi Pro League history. Al Hilal are still unbeaten this season, but Al Nassr's ability to turn draws into wins has kept them ahead. Ronaldo's side have won more league matches, putting them within touching distance of the crown.
It has been seven years since Al Nassr last won the Saudi Pro League title, having last lifted the trophy in the 2018-19 season. Ronaldo himself is also chasing his first major trophy in Saudi Arabia since arriving at the club in January 2023.
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Mathematically, the equation is simple for Al Nassr. A win in their final game against Damac Club will take them to 86 points and guarantee the title regardless of Al Hilal's results.
A draw, however, would leave Al Nassr vulnerable. Al Hilal hold the head-to-head advantage after beating Al Nassr 3-1 earlier this season before drawing the reverse fixture 1-1. With the Saudi Pro League prioritizing head-to-head record over goal difference, if both teams finish level on 84 points, Al Hilal will be crowned champions.
If Al Nassr lose their final game, Al Hilal would still need to win both their remaining two matches to leapfrog Al Nassr at the top of the table and secure the title. Anything less than two wins for Al Hilal would see Ronaldo's Al Nassr crowned champions.
There is little room for complacency within the Al Nassr camp, with Damac still battling relegation heading into the final day. Jorge Jesus' side beat Damac Club 2-1 earlier this season in January, but the reverse fixture is unlikely to be straightforward.
Damac head into the final day level on points with Al Riyadh, who are currently in the relegation zone, meaning they must match or better Al Riyadh's result to secure survival, adding extra pressure and intensity to the contest.
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What The Bookmakers Are Saying
Bookmakers still strongly favour Al Nassr to lift the trophy despite the dramatic derby draw.
According to odds from major bookmakers including bet365, William Hill and Betfair, Al Nassr remain overwhelming favourites, with odds ranging between 1.17 and 1.22 for Ronaldo's side to become champions.
Al Hilal's unbeaten record and superior head-to-head advantage have kept the market cautious, but bookmakers still believe the title is Al Nassr's to lose because they control their own destiny heading into the final day.
Al Nassr will play their final Saudi Pro League match of the season against Damac Club on May 21.
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