Following last season’s close second-place finish to Riyadh rivals Al Hilal, Al Nassr identified key positions requiring reinforcement. While striker Jhon Duran arrived in winter and defensive reinforcements came through Mohamed Simakan partnering Aymeric Laporte, perhaps their most crucial signing was finding a replacement for departing goalkeeper David Ospina.
Despite having promising Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, the club looked abroad, ultimately signing 25-year-old Brazilian Bento from Athletico Paranaense. With over 150 appearances in Brazil and a national team cap under interim coach Fernando Diniz, Bento represented the ideal profile โ experienced yet still developing, with his prime years ahead.
While some viewed Europe as Bento’s natural destination, the goalkeeper embraced the Saudi challenge. “I think there is a bit of prejudice against the Saudi league; just look at who plays there,” Bento previously stated. “The level is the same, I continue to improve. I can show that on the pitch and I will do my best to demonstrate that.”
His impact has been undeniable. Though other RSL goalkeepers may have more saves (Bento has 85) or clean sheets (seven), his influence on Al Nassr’s campaign has been profound. The team has reduced their goals-conceded average from 1.23 last season to 1.07 โ a marginal but potentially decisive improvement in a tight title race.
Of his 85 saves, 20 are considered “big chances saved,” including a spectacular reflex save that earned Al Nassr a valuable point in November’s Capital Derby against Al Hilal. The 1-1 draw not only secured a point but boosted the squad’s confidence in their new goalkeeper.
December brought another highlight when Bento denied Al Ittihad’s Karim Benzema with a superb save in Jeddah. Though Al Nassr eventually lost 2-1 to a stoppage-time goal, Bento earned Save of the Week honors โ an accolade he’s received multiple times this season.
His most impressive performance may have come in the recent Capital Derby rematch against Al Hilal. With Al Nassr securing a 3-1 victory behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s two goals, Bento’s outstretched leg brilliantly denied Salem Al Dawsari when Al Hilal threatened a comeback. This crucial save preserved Al Nassr’s momentum in a match that closed the gap on their second-place rivals.
Al Nassr now face Al Qadsiah in Matchweek 28, a pivotal fixture for both teams. Al Qadsiah, who have slipped from third to fifth in recent weeks, sit five points behind third-placed Al Nassr. A loss would severely damage their top-three aspirations, while victory for Al Nassr would put them just one point behind Al Hilal and within five of league leaders Al Ittihad, who suffered a shock defeat to Al Fateh on Thursday.
The match pits Bento against Al Qadsiah’s Koen Casteels, who leads the league with 13 clean sheets in his debut RSL season. With goalkeepers potentially deciding this crucial encounter, Bento has repeatedly demonstrated he thrives under pressure when stakes are highest.
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