Bizarre added-time mistake costs Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr chance to clinch Saudi Pro League title

Bizarre added-time mistake costs Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr chance to clinch Saudi Pro League title originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has a lot of hardware in his trophy case, form Champions League crowns to La Liga and Premier League silverware and a European Championship. What he doesn’t have, however, is a Saudi Pro League title. He didn’t get any closer to capturing one on Tuesday afternoon, either.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been one of the SPL’s finest talents since he arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2023. That hasn’t resulted in an SPL crown, although the Riyadh-based side has put itself in position to contend for the title in 2025-26.

Facing title challengers Al-Hilal on Tuesday, Ronaldo’s side had a chance to secure gold on their own turf. However, a last-second moment of madness gave Al-Hilal hope, sending Ronaldo into a stupor.

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Added-time gaffe prevents Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr from clinching Saudi Pro League title

Al-Nassr found itself just moments away from hoisting its first SPL title since Ronaldo arrived, holding a one-goal advantage over Al-Hilal, the most successful side in the country’s history.

Ronaldo watched on from the bench as Al-Hilal had one more chance to get the ball in the box. Defender Ali Lajami launched a long throw into the 18-yard area, hoping one of his teammates could get a flick on it and direct it towards the goal.

Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento did it for him. The Brazil international attempted to flick the ball towards safety. But it leaped from his hands as he tried to deflect it away, tumbling backwards before nestling into his own net.

QU’EST-CE QUE JE VIENS DE VOIR ? 💀

Al Nassr et Cristiano Ronaldo étaient à 10 secondes de remporter la SPL… FLOP 😨

90+8’ | Al Nassr 1 – 1 Al Hilal https://t.co/MA5Ltyl5Jfpic.twitter.com/wlp1BSWCKE

— SPL 🇸🇦 (@ActuSPL) May 12, 2026

Ronaldo couldn’t help but show his dismay. The 41-year-old looked befuddled as the full-time whistle blew.

Cristiano Ronaldo at full time.

🎥 @ali_alabdallh — @splpic.twitter.com/ve8Ig3iFkJ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 12, 2026

The Portuguese superstar has anchored Al-Nassr’s title hopes this campaign, tallying 26 goals, the third-best tally in the league. All hope is not lost for the Knights, who hold a five-point advantage over Al-Hilal with two games to go.

Al-Hilal has one game in hand against its rivals. If Al-Nassr wins its next two games, it will hoist its first SPL title since 2019.

Nevertheles, Ronaldo and Co. will have to wait a little while longer to ensure they can get their hands on the SPL crown.

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Saudi Pro League table 2026

Al-Nassr remaining schedule

Here’s a look at the final run-in for Al-Nassr during the 2025-26 season.