Al Hilal Secures Saudi Pro League Title After Late Al Nassr Own Goal

Key facts

• Al Nassr faced Al Hilal on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in a crucial Saudi Pro League match.
• Al Nassr led 1-0 at halftime after Mohamed Simakan scored in the 37th minute.
• Karim Benzema's 18th-minute header for Al Hilal was disallowed by VAR for offside.
• Al Hilal equalized in the 90+8th minute through an own goal by Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento Krepski.
• Al Hilal entered the match unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League season.
• Al Nassr had 82 points before the match, while Al Hilal had 77 points with a game in hand.

Late Drama Decides Saudi Pro League Championship

A dramatic own goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time snatched the Saudi Pro League title from Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, as they drew 1-1 with rivals Al Hilal. The result at Alawwal Park in Riyadh meant Al Hilal, who entered the crucial encounter with a game in hand, clinched the championship in the most agonizing fashion for their opponents. The match carried immense weight, with Al Nassr needing a victory to secure their first league title with Ronaldo. They had led for much of the game, only for a late defensive lapse to undo their efforts and hand the trophy to Al Hilal. This encounter was billed as a title decider, and it lived up to its billing with a tense battle that swung dramatically in the dying moments.

Simakan's Strike Puts Al Nassr on the Brink

Al Nassr had taken a deserved lead in the 37th minute through defender Mohamed Simakan. The goal came from a corner-kick scramble, with Simakan reacting quickest to power the rebound into the right corner past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The breakthrough arrived after Al Hilal had dominated possession for large spells of the first half, pinning Al Nassr back. Earlier in the game, Karim Benzema thought he had given Al Hilal the lead in the 18th minute with a header, but the goal was controversially overturned by VAR due to an offside call against Sergej Milinković-Savić in the buildup. Al Hilal's early pressure, featuring chances from Malcom and Milinković-Savić, failed to yield a goal, a missed opportunity that would prove costly. Despite being outplayed at times, Al Nassr remained dangerous on the counterattack, with Sadio Mané and João Félix showing flashes of brilliance. Cristiano Ronaldo himself went close to doubling the lead just before halftime, but his effort was saved.

Al Hilal's Unbeaten Run and Cup Glory

Al Hilal arrived at the Alawwal Park clash with an impeccable league record, remaining unbeaten throughout the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season. Their strong form was further bolstered by a recent King's Cup triumph under manager Simone Inzaghi, demonstrating their prowess across multiple competitions. The club looked to seasoned campaigners such as Salem Al-Dawsari and Rúben Neves to drive their challenge. Historically, Al Hilal has held the upper hand in league meetings, boasting 33 victories compared to Al Nassr's 14 across 63 encounters. Their previous league meeting in January saw Al Hilal emerge victorious with a 3-1 scoreline, featuring goals from Al-Dawsari, Mohamed Kanno, and Rúben Neves, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring Al Nassr's lone goal. Jorge Jesus' Al Nassr, meanwhile, had secured four wins in their last five league matches leading up to this pivotal fixture, but a recent defeat had tempered their momentum, making this match a critical juncture to reaffirm their title credentials.

A Tale of Two Halves and Stoppage-Time Agony

The first half saw Al Hilal control the tempo, employing a high-pressing game and excellent collective play that kept Al Nassr pinned in their own half. Despite creating several opportunities, Karim Benzema and Mohamed Kanno were unable to convert, missing crucial chances to establish an early lead. Following Simakan's goal, the momentum shifted. Al Nassr began to assert more control, and the second half unfolded as a more balanced affair, with both teams sharing possession and attacking rhythm. Al Nassr sought to impose an offensive rhythm, which suited their approach, though Cristiano Ronaldo remained largely on the periphery of the game. The decisive moment arrived in the 90+8th minute. A powerful throw-in from an Al Hilal player found Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento Krepski. In a moment of misjudgment, the Brazilian failed to properly control the ball, allowing it to slip through his hands and into the net for a devastating own goal, gifting Al Hilal the equalizer and the league title.

League Standings and Title Implications

Prior to the match, Al Nassr occupied the top spot in the Saudi Pro League standings with 82 points. Al Hilal sat in second place with 77 points, crucially possessing a game in hand. This meant that a win for Al Nassr would have mathematically secured the league title, while a draw would leave the championship undecided until Al Hilal's final fixture. The outcome of the 1-1 draw dramatically alters the final standings. Al Hilal's late equalizer, secured through the own goal, pushes them ahead of Al Nassr in the final table, crowning them champions. The result denies Al Nassr the opportunity to win their first league title with Cristiano Ronaldo, a significant milestone that was within their grasp. The physical nature of the game was evident, with yellow cards issued to Al Nassr's Ali Alhassan and Abdulelah Al-Amri, and Al Hilal's Hassan Altambakti, underscoring the high stakes and intensity of the contest.

Looking Ahead: The Aftermath of a Title Race

The dramatic conclusion to the Saudi Pro League season leaves Al Hilal celebrating a hard-fought title, secured through resilience and a stroke of late fortune. For Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo, the disappointment will be profound, having come so close to glory only to be denied by an unfortunate own goal. Al Hilal's unbeaten league run throughout the season stands as a testament to their consistency and quality under Simone Inzaghi. Their ability to secure the title on the final day, despite trailing for much of the decisive match, highlights their mental fortitude. As the season concludes, the focus will shift to the implications of this result for both clubs. Al Nassr will undoubtedly regroup, aiming to challenge again next season, while Al Hilal will savor their championship success, building on their King's Cup victory.

The bottom line

• Al Hilal won the Saudi Pro League title on May 12, 2026, after a 1-1 draw with Al Nassr.
• An own goal by Al Nassr's goalkeeper Bento Krepski in the 90+8th minute secured the title for Al Hilal.
• Mohamed Simakan had given Al Nassr a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute.
• Al Hilal remained unbeaten in the league throughout the 2025-26 season.
• Cristiano Ronaldo was aiming for his first league title with Al Nassr in this match.
• Al Hilal had 77 points with a game in hand before the fixture, while Al Nassr had 82 points.