Near-Miss Nightmare: Nuñez’s Shocking Shot Misses Al Hilal’s Big Chance in Riyadh
25 January 2026
Key moment: a near-miss that stings
Nuñez wastes a shocking chance.
Darwin Núñez, Al Hilal's Uruguayan striker, wasted one of the oddest opportunities since joining the club this season, during the Riyadh clash on Sunday.
Al Hilal hosted Al Riyadh in the 18th round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
In the ninth minute of the first half, Núñez failed to beat the Riyadh goal, despite a magical through-ball from Brazilian Malcolm de Oliveira inside the penalty area, blasting it oddly into the stands.
Malcolm delivered the ball with ease; a simple touch would have found the net, but Núñez chose to shoot into the stands instead.
That moment revived memories of missed Liverpool chances that drew criticism and memes from media and fans alike.
The clash, part of round 18 in the Saudi Pro League, ended with a frustrated mood in the stands and on social networks.
For Núñez, it was a reminder that even the best players can misfire when the pressure is on.
The moment sparked comparisons to his Liverpool days, when critics said he sometimes overthought finishing.
Punchline 1: If finishing were a lottery, he wouldn't cash in.
Punchline 2: Maybe the ball preferred a different career in the post-match memes closet.
