Al Hilal surprises and eliminates Manchester City from the Club World Cup
In an emotional encounter in Orlando, Al Hilal, from Saudi football, pulled off the biggest surprise of the FIFA Club World Cup by defeating Manchester City. The Saudi Pro League team won 4-3 in extra time, eliminating one of the favorites and securing their place in the quarter-finals against Fluminense.
The match, played at Camping World Stadium, showed a dominant City in the first half, but the course changed drastically in the second. Despite the key absences of Salem Al-Dawsari and Aleksandar Mitrovic due to injury, Al Hilal managed to prevail thanks to Marcos Leonardo’s goal in the 112th minute, unleashing euphoria.
This triumph is a declaration of intent from Al Hilal, which seeks to demonstrate that its investment, backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, allows them to compete with the greats of Europe. The 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in the opening match was just the prelude to what was to come.
It’s a shame. The atmosphere was very good. I can’t thank Manchester City enough and especially the players for their training and for how they have been playing. The margins are minimal.
Pep Guardiola
City coach Pep Guardiola lamented the defeat, which prevented the team from increasing the economic prizes and obtaining a title. On the other hand, FIFA sees this result as a success for the new edition of the Club World Cup, with a match full of goals, emotion and atmosphere in the stadium.
The City dominated much of the first half, but Al Hilal’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, was key with his saves. Bernardo Silva managed to score for City in the first half.
In the second half, Al Hilal reacted quickly, equalizing within seconds. Marcos Leonardo scored the goal after a cross from João Cancelo. Malcom put Al Hilal ahead, although Haaland quickly equalized.
The match continued at a frenetic pace, with chances for both teams. In extra time, Kalidou Koulibaly put Al Hilal ahead again. City equalized thanks to the combination of Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden, but Marcos Leonardo scored the decisive goal for Al Hilal.
Guardiola highlighted his team’s defensive vulnerability and Al Hilal’s ability to capitalize on transitions. For Al Hilal, the victory was a validation, especially for players like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who left Lazio to join the Saudi club.
Al Hilal will now face Fluminense in search of a place in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Manchester City will focus on the Premier League, after missing the opportunity to start the season with a title.
