Al Nassr missed the chance to officially secure the Roshn Saudi League title on Tuesday after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in the Capital Derby at Al Awwal Park.
The league leaders, who remain five points clear at the top, looked ready to end their seven-year wait for the championship when Mohamed Simakan scored from close range in the 37th minute after reacting quickest to a rebound.
But deep into stoppage time, disaster struck for the home side. With only seconds remaining, Al Nassr defender Inigo Martinez collided with goalkeeper Bento while the Brazilian attempted to collect a long throw from Al Hilal. The impact caused the ball to deflect into the net, resulting in a heartbreaking own goal in the 98th minute.
The late equalizer stunned everyone inside the packed stadium, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who had already been substituted.
The result keeps Al Hilal’s title hopes alive. The defending 2023-24 champions can reduce the gap to just two points if they defeat NEOM Sports Club at home on Saturday in their game in hand.
Should that happen, the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League title race will be decided on the final matchday. Al Nassr are set to face 15th-placed Damac, while Al Hilal will travel to take on 10th-placed Al Fayha.
