Al Hilal's late own goal denies Al Nassr Saudi Pro League title

Key facts

• Al Nassr drew 1-1 with Al Hilal on May 12, 2026.
• The match was a crucial Saudi Pro League title decider.
• Mohamed Simakan scored for Al Nassr, putting them close to the title.
• An own goal in the 90+8th minute by Al Nassr's goalkeeper gifted Al Hilal the equalizer.
• Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December 2022 and has yet to win a league title with the club.
• Al Nassr led the league table with 82 points before the match, five clear of Al Hilal.
• Karim Benzema joined Al Hilal in the winter transfer window of the 2025-26 season.

Title race hangs in the balance after dramatic Riyadh Derby

The Saudi Pro League title race took a dramatic turn on May 12, 2026, as Al Nassr were held to a 1-1 draw by rivals Al Hilal, a result that denied Cristiano Ronaldo a chance to secure his first league championship with the club. What appeared to be a decisive victory for Al Nassr, who led for much of the match, was snatched away in the dying moments. A late equalizer, stemming from a goalkeeping error, has thrown the championship battle wide open, leaving fans and players alike in disbelief. The match, held at Al-Awwal Park, was billed as a title-deciding contest, with Al Nassr holding a significant lead at the top of the table. The outcome, however, proved to be a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, with the celebrations for Al Nassr cut short by a cruel twist of fate.

Simakan's strike seemed to seal the championship

Al Nassr had taken the lead through Mohamed Simakan, a goal that brought Cristiano Ronaldo tantalizingly close to lifting his maiden Saudi Pro League trophy. The goal arrived late in the first half, a rebound from a corner expertly delivered by Marcelo Brozović. Simakan seized the opportunity, unleashing a powerful shot past Al Hilal's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. This strike not only put Al Nassr ahead but also shifted the momentum, with Al Hilal forced to retreat and Al Nassr seizing control. Simakan's goal was a pivotal moment, seemingly paving the way for Al Nassr to secure the three points necessary to clinch the title. The team had overcome a difficult first half where they were largely dominated by their opponents.

Al Hilal snatch equalizer in added time

Just as Al Nassr appeared set to celebrate a hard-fought victory, Al Hilal found an unlikely path back into the game. In the 90+8th minute, an intense throw-in from an Al Hilal player found its way to Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento Krepski. Despite a strong performance throughout the match, Bento failed to gather the ball cleanly, fumbling it into his own net for a devastating own goal. This late equalizer by Al Hilal meant the match ended 1-1, a result that left Al Nassr stunned and denied them the crucial victory needed to secure the league title.

Ronaldo's long pursuit of league silverware continues

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December 2022 with the ambition of adding more titles to his illustrious career. However, the Saudi Pro League championship has proven elusive. In his first two campaigns with the club, Al Nassr finished as runners-up. Last season, they secured third place. The 2025-26 season presented Ronaldo and his teammates with their best opportunity yet to claim the league title, having led the table for much of the campaign. The draw against Al Hilal means Ronaldo's wait for a league title with Al Nassr continues, with the club's championship aspirations now dependent on other results and their final matches.

Title permutations and the stakes for both clubs

Prior to the May 12 clash, Al Nassr sat atop the Saudi Pro League standings with 82 points, a comfortable five-point lead over second-placed Al Hilal with only two games remaining. A victory for Al Nassr would have extended their lead to 85 points, making it mathematically impossible for Al Hilal to catch them, even if they won their remaining fixtures. A single point from the match would have also kept Al Nassr in a strong position, requiring just one more win in their final game against Damac FC to secure the title. However, the draw has significantly altered the landscape. Should Al Hilal win their remaining matches, they could potentially overtake Al Nassr, turning the title race into a nail-biting finish.

Riyadh Derby history and player rivalries

The Riyadh Derby between Al Nassr and Al Hilal is always a fiercely contested affair, but this encounter carried immense weight due to its implications for the league title. This match also marked a significant reunion for former Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, who now represent rival Saudi clubs. Benzema's arrival at Al Hilal in the winter transfer window of the 2025-26 season had reportedly caused friction, with Ronaldo previously expressing dissatisfaction with the management of clubs owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). While Ronaldo has enjoyed a prolific scoring season with 26 league goals, nine more than Benzema, the ultimate prize on this occasion was the team's victory and the league title.

Matchday incidents and tactical battles

The match saw its share of tactical duels and moments of contention. Al Hilal began the game assertively, dominating the first half with high pressing and collective play, pinning Al Nassr deep in their own territory. Despite Al Hilal's early dominance, opportunities were missed by Karim Benzema and Mohamed Kanno. Al Nassr, however, managed to weather the storm and found a way back into the game through Simakan's goal. The second half presented a more balanced contest, with both teams sharing possession and control. Players like Sadio Mané and João Félix delivered standout performances for Al Nassr, while Cristiano Ronaldo remained largely on the periphery of the game. The match also saw yellow cards issued to Aiman Yahya and João Félix for fouls, and a notable injury delay for Al Hilal's Malcom.

The bottom line

• Al Nassr's 1-1 draw with Al Hilal on May 12, 2026, prevented them from clinching the Saudi Pro League title.
• A late own goal in the 90+8th minute by Al Nassr's goalkeeper gifted Al Hilal a crucial equalizer.
• Cristiano Ronaldo's quest for his first Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr continues, despite the club's strong season.
• The result has intensified the title race, with Al Hilal now having a chance to overtake Al Nassr in the final matches.
• Mohamed Simakan scored Al Nassr's goal, while the equalizer came from an Al Hilal throw-in that led to a defensive error.
• The match was a pivotal Riyadh Derby, featuring former Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.