Cristiano Ronaldo's Title Hopes Dashed by Goalkeeper Error in Saudi Pro League
Ronaldo's Pursuit of Glory Continues
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is in the twilight of his career, yet he remains determined to achieve greatness. Having secured numerous accolades, the one trophy that has eluded him since joining Al-Nassr is the Saudi Pro League title. This season, his team is a strong contender, showcasing impressive performances. However, their quest for the championship faced a setback due to a critical mistake by the goalkeeper.
Currently leading the SPL standings, Al-Nassr clashed with second-placed Al-Hilal in a match that could have clinched the title for Ronaldo's squad. They held a 1-0 advantage for a significant portion of the game, but in the 9th minute of stoppage time, the Al-Nassr goalkeeper made a glaring error by misjudging a long throw, inadvertently scoring an own goal. Consequently, the match concluded in a 1-1 draw, preventing Al-Nassr from securing the league with one game remaining.
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Ronaldo's Emotional Reaction
Cristiano Ronaldo Almost In Tears
Substituted in the 83rd minute, Ronaldo sat on the bench when the goalkeeper's blunder occurred, visibly upset over missing out on his first league title in Saudi Arabia. His disappointment was palpable, and it appeared he was on the verge of tears.
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This season, Ronaldo has been in remarkable form, ranking as the third-highest scorer in the league with 26 goals. He recently made history by becoming the first player to score 100 goals for three different clubs. His last league title came during the 2019/20 Serie A season with Juventus, marking six years since he last lifted a league trophy.
Al-Nassr's Path to the Title
How Al-Nassr Can Still Win SPL 2025/26 Title?
Al-Nassr currently leads the league with 83 points from 33 matches, five points ahead of Al-Hilal, who have 78 points. With only one game left for Al-Nassr and two for Al-Hilal, the title is still within reach. If Al-Nassr wins their final match against Damac, they will be crowned champions. However, a loss would require Al-Hilal to drop points in at least one of their remaining games. A draw for Al-Nassr would mean Al-Hilal must win both of their matches and surpass Al-Nassr's goal difference to claim the title.
Following the match, Ronaldo expressed optimism on his X account, stating, "The dream is close. Heads up, we have one more step to take! Thank you all for the amazing support tonight!"