Al-Hilal’s unbeaten streak preserved by late penalty against Al-Nassr

Al-Hilal managed to salvage their unbeaten streak with a last-minute penalty, drawing 1-1 against Al-Nassr in a thrilling encounter. The match, marked by intense competition and high stakes, saw Sadio Mané inadvertently conceding a penalty that allowed Al-Hilal to equalize in the dying moments.

On the 32nd day of the Saudi Pro League, Al-Nassr, positioned second in the standings, hosted reigning champions Al-Hilal.

The home side entered the match with a point to prove, aiming to be the first team this season to defeat Al-Hilal, who have been dominant under Jorge Jesus.

Despite Al-Nassr’s determination and a history of recent losses to their rivals, they believed victory was within reach, much like their encounter in the Arab Cup final earlier in the season.

The match began with a bang as Al-Nassr took an early lead, scoring just 20 seconds after kickoff. Otavio delivered a stunning strike, setting an electrifying tone for the rest of the game.

Al-Nassr continued to press their advantage, creating multiple opportunities to extend their lead. However, Cristiano Ronaldo, despite providing the assist for the opening goal, had an off day, missing two crucial one-on-one chances.

As the match progressed, Al-Hilal grew into the game, showcasing their championship pedigree. Despite Al-Nassr’s dominance, their failure to capitalize on their chances left the door open for Al-Hilal.

The pivotal moment came towards the end of the match when Sadio Mané, who had been solid throughout, committed a handball in the penalty area while contesting with Saud Abdulhamid.

This mistake handed Al-Hilal a lifeline.

Aleksandar Mitrović stepped up to take the penalty and coolly slotted it past David Ospina, equalizing the score in the 90th minute plus ten.

The goal ensured Al-Hilal maintained their unbeaten streak, much to the frustration of Al-Nassr, who had hoped to claim a significant victory.

This draw leaves Al-Hilal still unbeaten in the league, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr will rue their missed opportunities, knowing they came tantalizingly close to making history.

The match was a testament to the high level of competition in the Saudi Pro League and sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season.