Goalkeeper mistake denies Ronaldo's team the Saudi title

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to wait a little longer for his first Saudi Pro League crown after Al Nassr surrendered a bizarre own goal in the final seconds on Tuesday.

Second‑placed Al Hilal secured a 1‑1 draw in Riyadh when the home goalkeeper, Bento, mishandled a long throw‑in that rolled into his own net in the eighth minute of added time, leaving Ronaldo and the Al Nassr supporters stunned.

“The dream is close,” the 41‑year‑old wrote on X to his 107.5 million followers, noting that his side had been seconds away from victory.

“Heads up, we have one more step to take! Thank you all for the amazing support tonight!”

Al Nassr, with only one match remaining this season, stay five points ahead of Al Hilal, who have a game in hand. The title can be clinched when Al Nassr face Damac next week.

Since joining the club in 2023 on a lucrative contract, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward has yet to win a domestic trophy in Saudi Arabia.

His arrival sparked heightened interest in Saudi football and triggered a wave of high‑profile signings, including Neymar and Al Hilal’s Karim Benzema.

The post Ronaldo left waiting for Saudi title after goalkeeping gaffe appeared first on Vanguard News.