- Despite creating several clear chances, players such as Karim Benzema and Abdulrahman Kanno failed to convert opportunities
- The breakthrough eventually came late in the first half when Al Nassr won a corner during a counterattack
- A long throw into the penalty area caused confusion for Bento
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr suffered a late setback in their Saudi Pro League title chase after being held to a dramatic draw by rivals Al Hilal.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the high-stakes encounter initially appeared to be swinging in Al Nassr’s favour after defender Mohamed Simakan found the back of the net, but a costly error from goalkeeper Bento Krepski in stoppage time allowed Al Hilal to snatch a late equaliser.
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Al Hilal controlled much of the opening half, pressing aggressively and dominating possession under coach Simone Inzaghi.
Despite creating several clear chances, players such as Karim Benzema and Abdulrahman Kanno failed to convert opportunities that could have given their side a comfortable lead.
Although Al Nassr struggled for long periods, Sadio Mané remained a constant threat in attack and helped keep his side in contention.
The breakthrough eventually came late in the first half when Al Nassr won a corner during a counterattack.
After an excellent delivery from Marcelo Brozović, the ball bounced kindly for Simakan, who fired a powerful effort past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to put Al Nassr ahead.
The goal shifted momentum, with Al Hilal dropping deeper while Al Nassr gained confidence and began controlling larger periods of the game.
Both sides remained evenly matched throughout the second half, with Al Nassr appearing set to secure a crucial victory in the title race.
However, deep into stoppage time, disaster struck for Ronaldo’s side. A long throw into the penalty area caused confusion for Bento, who failed to gather the ball cleanly, allowing it to slip into the net for a heartbreaking own goal.
The late equaliser denied Al Nassr a potentially decisive victory and dealt a major blow to Ronaldo’s hopes of winning his first Saudi Pro League title with the club.
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