Drama in Riyadh as Al Nassr denied title by 98th-minute own goal

Al Nassr were prevented from sealing the Roshn Saudi League title on Tuesday night in the most dramatic of fashion, when Bento’s 98th-minute own goal gave Al Hilal a 1-1 draw in the Capital Derby at Al Awwal Park.

The hosts, who still lead the standings by five points, seemed set to secure a first top-flight title in seven years when Mohamed Simakan swept home a rebound on 37 minutes to put his side in front.

However, with around 10 seconds of injury-time to run, Al Nassr defender Inigo Martinez crashed into teammate Bento as the Brazil goalkeeper jumped to catch a long throw from Al Hilal, sending the ball ricocheting into the goal.

Al Hilal had the latest of late reprieves, leaving the sold-out Al Awwal Park - and the substituted Cristiano Ronaldo - stunned in disbelief. As it stands, the 2023-24 RSL champions can cut the gap to two points should they win their game in hand, at home to NEOM Sports Club on Saturday.

If they do, the 2025-26 campaign will go down to the final matchweek, when Al Nassr host 15th-placed Damac and Al Hilal travel to Al Fayha, who sit 10th.