Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal delivered a captivating 1-1 draw in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday, with both teams exchanging blows in a contest filled with tension, disallowed goals, and missed chances.
The match opened in electrifying fashion, as Al-Nassr seized an early advantage just moments after kickoff.
In a dramatic start, Otavio set up Anderson Talisca inside the Al-Hilal box with a well-timed pass. Talisca, showing his class and composure, took a touch before slotting the ball into the net, putting Al-Nassr ahead in the very first minute.
The goal sent Al-Nassr fans into a frenzy and set the tone for an action-packed encounter. Despite the early setback, Al-Hilal gradually found their rhythm.
The reigning champions threatened to respond in the 38th minute when Aleksandar Mitrovic, set up by Kalidou Koulibaly, sent the ball past the goalkeeper.
However, celebrations were short-lived, as the former Fulham forward’s effort was swiftly ruled offside, keeping the scoreline in Al-Nassr’s favor.
Cristiano Ronaldo, determined to make an impact, created a few chances for himself in the first half but was ultimately left frustrated.
Just before halftime, he was handed a yellow card following a fierce tackle on his Portuguese compatriot, Joao Cancelo, a moment that intensified the competitive spirit of the game.
The second half saw Al-Hilal come out with a renewed sense of purpose, pressing forward with aggression and intent.
They came tantalizingly close to equalizing in the 64th minute, when Saudi international Salem Al-Dawsari unleashed a powerful shot that rattled off the post.
Renan Lodi reacted quickly to the rebound with a first-time strike, but Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper Bento managed a vital save to deny him, sending the ball out for a corner.
Al-Hilal’s persistence finally paid off in the 77th minute, thanks to a well-orchestrated team play. Al-Dawsari played a deft back-heel pass to Lodi, who delivered a precise cross into the box.
Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, rising above his defenders, met the ball with a powerful header that found the back of the net, drawing the game level at 1-1 and sparking jubilation among Al-Hilal’s fans.
The game’s closing minutes were not without controversy, as Al-Hilal appealed for a penalty following a collision between Bento and Mitrovic in the air.
The Serbian forward went down, sparking intense protests from the Al-Hilal side. After a comprehensive VAR review, however, the referee dismissed the appeals, determining there was no foul play.
The draw leaves both teams with mixed feelings, as Al-Nassr will rue their missed opportunity to extend their early lead, while Al-Hilal will see their comeback as a testament to their resilience.
This tightly contested match underscores the fierce rivalry between the two sides, with both sets of fans left eagerly awaiting their next encounter.
The 1-1 result adds another chapter to the growing legacy of one of Saudi football’s most compelling rivalries.