Bento’s last-minute crucial mistake cost Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr a crucial win against Al Hilal, which would’ve secured the Saudi Pro League title. There’s no sugarcoating it, the improbable goal shocked everyone at Al-Awwal Park—including Ronaldo, who looked dejected on the subsitutes’ bench.
As historic as a title-clinching win over their Riyadh foes would’ve been, Ronaldo and Al Nassr now have a chance to clinch two championships in one day. Perhaps, Bento’s costly mistake actually turns out to be for the best, though every single team member would’ve rather ended the drama surrounding the Saudi Pro League title race tonight.
Still, on Saturday, May 16, Al Nassr could make history by being crowned both Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League Two champions. While that is a very real possibility, it wouldn’t require Cristiano Ronaldo and company to play two matches simultaneously. So how is it possible? It’s quite simple.
How Al-Nassr could conquer two titles in one day
Al Hilal (78 points) are the only team that can surpass Al Nassr (83) in the league standings. With two matches remaining on their schedule, Al-Hilal will face Neom on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for just one hour and 40 minutes before Al Nassr take on Gamba Osaka in the ACL Two final.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.
If Al Hilal fail to defeat Neom, Al Nassr could learn they have been crowned league champions by halftime of their final against the Japanese side in Riyadh. An Al Hilal draw or loss against Neom—currently eighth in the standings—would mean Ronaldo wins his first official trophy since joining the club in Saudi Arabia’s capital city.
Moreover, he could go from being trophyless with Al Nassr to conquering two championships within a matter of hours. Needless to say, that would be unprecedented even for a decorated soccer star like Cristiano. Sometimes, all it takes is some external help before the floodgates open. The Portuguese icon’s trophy drought in the Kingdom could be a perfect example of that.
Saudi Pro League title race
The updated Saudi Pro League standings and Al-Nassr’s remaining fixture indicate the club still has a very good chance of being crowned champion. Even if the double conquest isn’t completed on Saturday, Al Nassr are just one win away from the league title. What happens with Al Hilal won’t matter if Al Nassr defeat Damac—currently battling relegation—in the final matchweek.
| TEAM | POINTS | GAMES LEFT |
| AL NASSR | 83 (+60 GD) | – VS. DAMAC |
| AL HILAL | 78 (+55 GD) | – VS. NEOM – @ AL-FAYHA |
