The highly anticipated Riyadh Derby in the Saudi Pro League’s 32nd round took place on May 13, with Al-Nassr hosting Al-Hilal in a match that carried significant title implications. Adding to the drama, a special guest was spotted in the stands: Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, who traveled to support her son and the team.
Throughout the first half and into the second, television cameras frequently cut to Dolores in her VIP box, where she was seen smiling, chatting with companions, and waving to the crowd. Her presence electrified the atmosphere, as fans knew how much this game meant for Ronaldo’s quest for his first Saudi league crown.
Yet football’s cruelest moments often come in stoppage time. As the match entered added minutes, Al-Hilal pushed forward relentlessly, while Al-Nassr retreated deep into their own half. With the final whistle seemingly seconds away, Al-Hilal launched one last ball into the box. Facing a relatively harmless high cross, Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento made a catastrophic error—instead of clearing safely, he awkwardly palmed the ball into his own net, reminiscent of a volleyball set, gifting Al-Hilal an equalizing own goal.
The home fans, already poised to celebrate three crucial points, fell into stunned silence. On the touchline, an incredulous Ronaldo stared in disbelief as several teammates dropped to their knees, heads in hands. The cameras immediately cut back to Dolores, whose expression turned to visible disappointment.
In the end, Al-Nassr were held to a 1-1 draw by their city rivals after a last-gasp equalizer, squandering what had seemed like a guaranteed victory. The result leaves the title race wide open, with Ronaldo’s wait for a Saudi league championship continuing.