Al-Nassr clinched their first Saudi Pro League title since 2019 in nerve-shredding fashion on Thursday, defeating Damac 4-1 on the final matchday as Cristiano Ronaldo scored a decisive brace. The victory, sealed in front of a tense Al-Awwal Park crowd, ensured Jorge Jesus' side finished two points clear of Al-Hilal, who ended the campaign unbeaten yet heartbreakingly second.
The title race had been one of the most dramatic in recent memory. Al-Nassr entered the 34th round with only a two-point cushion, a margin that felt all the more precarious after the traumatic 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal ten days earlier. In that encounter, an own goal by goalkeeper Bento in the 98th minute snatched away a win and allowed their rivals to stay alive. The psychological scar threatened to reopen if they faltered against Damac, a side still fighting to avoid relegation.
Playing concurrently, Al-Hilal applied immediate pressure by scoring in the fourth minute through Sultan Mendash against Al-Fayha. That early strike meant Al-Nassr had absolutely no room for error—a draw would hand the title to the team captained by Karim Benzema and coached by Simone Inzaghi. Despite controlling the ball from the start, the hosts found Damac's deep defensive block hard to crack. Chances accumulated but were repelled until the 34th minute, when Sadio Mané rose to meet a corner and powered a header into the net, temporarily lifting the weight of expectation.
The second half brought both relief and fresh anxiety. Kingsley Coman, a high-profile winter signing, doubled the lead in the 52nd minute with a superb solo effort, cutting inside and curling a low shot into the far corner. But just as fans began to believe, Damac pulled a goal back five minutes later when Morlaye Sylla struck a penalty confidently, after a foul in the box. Suddenly, the margin was back to one, and the specter of another late collapse loomed.
Then came Ronaldo. The 40-year-old superstar, who had been relatively quiet, burst to life when it mattered most. He notched his first goal by reacting quickest to a loose ball in the area, poking home amid chaos. The stadium erupted, but the job wasn't done. With Damac tiring, Ronaldo sealed the title with a trademark finish, sweeping the ball past the goalkeeper to complete his brace and a 4-1 scoreline. The goals underlined his enduring importance in a campaign where he has been consistently decisive.
While Al-Nassr celebrated, Al-Hilal were left to reflect on an extraordinary but ultimately insufficient achievement. They won their match comfortably and finished with a perfect unbeaten record across 34 games, a rare feat in Saudi football. Yet, because of two more draws than their rivals, they fell short. The cruel irony was that their own consistency, including a draw in the direct clash, handed the advantage to Al-Nassr.
For the champions, the triumph represents a long-awaited return to the summit. Since their last league title five years ago, the club has invested heavily, transforming into a global brand with Ronaldo as the centerpiece. Jorge Jesus, in his first full season, managed to harness star power into a collective unit that could withstand the heat. The addition of Mané and Coman provided the creative and scoring depth needed to edge out a formidable opponent.
The final day's events also highlighted the tactical maturity of Al-Nassr. Breaking down Damac required patience, and the set-piece goal from Mané was a product of meticulous planning. Coman's individual quality offered a glimpse of the X-factor that can decide tight contests. Ronaldo's positioning and composure, even at an advanced age, remain elite. Together, they formed a champion's spine that refused to bend under pressure.
Al-Hilal's unbeaten season, while a point of pride, will be remembered with a tinge of what might have been. With talents like Karim Benzema, they dominated most matches but dropped points in key moments, including home draws that proved costly. Simone Inzaghi's tactical approach, often praised for its entertainment, sometimes lacked the clinical edge needed to close out must-win games. Still, finishing without a loss is a historic milestone.
The Saudi Pro League as a whole benefitted from this captivating finale. The presence of multiple global icons, the high-stakes drama, and the competitive balance between the two Riyadh giants have elevated the league's profile internationally. Broadcasters and sponsors are taking note, and the successful conclusion of such a tight race will only fuel further investment and interest ahead of next season.
Ultimately, Ronaldo's double on the final day wrote a fitting chapter in his already storied career. His impact on and off the pitch has been transformative for Al-Nassr and the league. The club's celebrations, long into the night, were a testament to the relief and joy of reclaiming local dominance. As Al-Hilal watch on, they know the battle is far from over, setting the stage for an even more intense rivalry in the coming campaigns.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
