In a dramatic Saudi Pro League clash early on May 13, Al Nassr faced Al Hilal in a crucial match that could have secured the title a week early. However, a shocking own goal by goalkeeper Bento in the 98th minute turned the game on its head, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo devastated on the bench.
The match at Al Nassr’s home ground saw Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both start, with a win guaranteeing the championship. In the 18th minute, Benzema thought he had scored, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Al Nassr took the lead in the 37th minute when Simakan fired home, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Before halftime, Kingsley Coman had a chance to double the lead but his shot hit the post.
Ronaldo was substituted in the 83rd minute, urging fans to keep cheering. He sat on the bench, seemingly waiting for the title celebration. However, deep into stoppage time (90+8 minutes), 26-year-old Bento made a disastrous error, dropping a routine catch into his own net while trying to claim a cross. The 1-1 equalizer stunned the stadium.
Ronaldo, watching from the sidelines, slumped into his seat, his face a mask of despair. The draw means Al Nassr cannot wrap up the title this round and must fight in the final matchday. Since joining the Saudi league three years ago, the 41-year-old Portuguese superstar has yet to win any official trophy. This is not the first time Bento has cost Ronaldo; earlier in the Saudi Super Cup final, the same goalkeeper made a last-minute blunder that led to a penalty shootout defeat. The disappointment was palpable as the dream of an early title slipped away in the dying seconds.