Ronaldo must wait as late own goal delays Al Nassr title party until weekend or May 21

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to wait to lift his first trophy with Al Nassr after a dramatic 99th-minute own goal forced a draw with Al Hilal, denying the Saudi club the chance to clinch the Saudi Pro League title with one match to spare. The late leveller means Al Nassr could secure the championship on Saturday depending on Al Hilal's result, or they may have to wait until their final league game on May 21.

Why it matters

A title confirmed with a match to spare would have provided an immediate celebration for Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo. Instead, the draw extends the title race into the final rounds and creates a scheduling tug-of-war with Al Nassr's continental commitments: the club also face the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka on Saturday, a date that could become a double celebration if the league is decided beforehand.

How the draw changes the timeline

Before the draw, Al Nassr were in position to clinch the title with one match remaining. The 99th-minute own goal by Bento — which produced the tie with Al Hilal — prevented immediate confirmation. With two matches left for Al Nassr's closest rivals and a current five-point cushion reported in the source, the championship could still be wrapped up on Saturday if Al Hilal fail to beat Neom. Otherwise, Al Nassr will need to secure the title on May 21 in their final league fixture.

Season context for Al Nassr

World Soccer Talk's summary of Al Nassr's campaign highlights a dominant season by several measures: the club recorded 27 wins, scored 87 goals and conceded 27, finishing with a reported +60 goal difference. Unlike unbeaten Al Hilal, Al Nassr lost four matches and registered only two draws, illustrating a season that frequently pushed for victories rather than settling for draws.

Key implications for fixtures and celebrations

If Al Nassr do not clinch the league before Saturday, their final match on May 21 becomes decisive. The report identifies Damac as the team that could stand in Al Nassr's way if the title remains undecided; Damac are fighting to avoid relegation, which could influence their approach. The club also have the AFC Champions League Two final scheduled against Gamba Osaka on Saturday, meaning domestic and continental silverware could align or be separated by days depending on results.

• A 99th-minute own goal by Bento forced a draw between Al Nassr and Al Hilal, denying an immediate title clinch.
• Al Nassr currently lead by five points with two matches left for their closest rivals (per source).
• If Al Hilal fail to beat Neom on Saturday, Al Nassr will secure the title without playing that day.
• If not decided on Saturday, Al Nassr's final chance to clinch the league is on May 21.
• Al Nassr also play the AFC Champions League Two final versus Gamba Osaka on Saturday (per source).
• Season stats reported: 27 wins, 87 goals scored, 27 conceded, +60 goal difference, and four losses.

What happens next

The immediate next milestone is Al Hilal's match against Neom on Saturday; its result will determine whether Al Nassr can be crowned without kicking a ball that day. If Al Hilal win, the title race will stay alive and Al Nassr's May 21 fixture will become the likely decider. Fans and the club will also be watching the AFC Champions League Two final — a positive result there could at least guarantee continental silverware irrespective of the domestic outcome.