Al-Hilal Snatches Last-Gasp Draw, Delaying Al-Nassr's Saudi League Title

A catastrophic mistake by Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento Matheus in the 99th minute turned a potential title-clinching victory into a devastating 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Al-Hilal on Tuesday. The Brazilian shot-stopper failed to secure a routine high ball at Al-Awwal Park, gifting the equalizer to the visitors and postponing his side's coronation as Saudi Pro League champions for the first time since the 2018-2019 season.

Defender Mohammed Simakan had put Al-Nassr ahead with a stunning strike in the 37th minute, bringing the team within touching distance of the trophy. However, Bento's late blunder flipped the script, keeping the gap between the two sides at just five points. Al-Nassr now has one match remaining, while Al-Hilal still has two to play.

Al-Nassr sits on 83 points, with Al-Hilal close behind at 78, leaving the title dream alive heading into the final stretch. The visitors entered the derby buoyed by their recent King Cup triumph, a 2-1 victory over Al-Khulood, while Al-Nassr was riding high after a thrilling 4-2 win against Al-Shabab in the previous round.

Starting Lineups

Al-Nassr fielded Bento Matheus in goal; Nawaf Boushal, Mohammed Simakan, Abdullah Al-Amri, and Aymeric Laporte in defense; Marcelo Brozovic and Ali Al-Hassan in midfield; and Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.

Al-Hilal countered with Bono in goal; Nasser, Muteb, Tambakti, and Leo in defense; Salem, Savic, Kanno, and Neves in midfield; and Yarma and Malcom up front.