What seemed like a coronation two weeks ago has become one of the most dramatic title finales in Saudi Pro League history. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr are still top — but only by two points. Al Hilal, with five straight league wins, are right on their heels heading into the biggest Riyadh Derby in history.
THE STANDINGS
Al Nassr lead on 79 points after 31 games. Al Hilal are on 77 points after 32 games — two points behind having played their game in hand. Both clubs have two games remaining before the May 12 Derby. Al Nassr face Al Shabab on Thursday. Al Hilal face Al Fateh next. Then both teams collide on May 12 in what is now effectively a title final.
HOW IT UNRAVELLED FOR AL NASSR
The turning point was Sunday's 3-1 defeat to fourth-placed Al Qadsiah — a result that ended Al Nassr's extraordinary 20-game winning run across all competitions. Al Qadsiah took the lead in the 24th minute through Abu Al-Shamat. Joao Felix equalised just before the break with his 23rd goal of the season after a Brozovic through ball. But Al Qadsiah dominated the second half — Musab Al-Juwayr restored the lead in the 55th minute and Julian Quinones, the league's top scorer with 29 goals, sealed it in the 78th. Ronaldo hit the crossbar with a curling effort and had nothing to show for it. Jorge Jesus was visibly furious on the touchline. Ronaldo posted after the game: "One mission. We keep working. TOGETHER!" — but the damage was done.
AL HILAL COME FROM BEHIND TO BEAT AL KHALEEJ 2-1
Al Hilal wasted no time capitalising. On Tuesday night they came from behind to beat Al Khaleej 2-1 at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium — their fifth consecutive league win. Joshua King gave Al Khaleej the lead in the 11th minute after getting on the end of a corner rebound. Milinkovic-Savic equalized on the 34th minute with a powerful header from a Ruben Neves corner — the Serbian's best performance of the season. Sultan Mandash drove into the box and finished left-footed past Moris in the 79th minute to seal the comeback. Benzema and Salem Al-Dawsari both started on the bench — Inzaghi rotated with the Derby in mind — yet Hilal still dominated with 22 shots, 1.83 xG, and 65 percent possession. Milinkovic-Savic registered 8.7 on Sofascore — the highest-rated player on the night.
THE RIYADH DERBY — MAY 12
The May 12 Riyadh Derby at Al Awwal Park is now the most important match in Saudi Pro League history. Ronaldo vs Benzema. Jorge Jesus vs Simone Inzaghi. Al Nassr need to win to guarantee the title. Al Hilal need to win to leapfrog them — and if they do, the championship is theirs. A draw keeps Al Nassr in front but leaves the door open for the final day. Al Hilal beat Al Nassr 3-1 in the first meeting back in January — when Inzaghi's side briefly went seven points clear at the top. With the roles reversed, Nassr must avenge that defeat to keep their title hopes alive. Hilal have not lost a single league game all season — 22 wins and 8 draws in 32 games. A first defeat in the league would hand Ronaldo the title. If they avoid it, they could be champions.
THE RUN-IN
Al Nassr: Al Shabab (May 7, home), Al Hilal (May 12, Derby), Damac (May 21, away).
Al Hilal: Al Fateh (next), Al Nassr (May 12, Derby), one further fixture.
THE VERDICT
Ronaldo, 41, came to Saudi Arabia to win trophies. This is the closest he has come to a Saudi Pro League title — and it is now the hardest it has ever felt. Al Hilal have the form, the momentum, and the mental edge from January's derby win. But Al Nassr have the points and the experience of winning under pressure. One match will likely decide it all. May 12. Riyadh. The whole country will be watching.
