Al Hilal delivered a stunning upset in the FIFA Club World Cup, defeating Manchester City 4-3 in extra time. Marcos Leonardo's second goal of the match, scored in the 112th minute, sealed the victory for the Saudi Arabian side, eliminating the Premier League giants in the round of 16. The match, held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, was a thrilling encounter filled with dramatic twists and turns.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for Manchester City in the 9th minute, tapping in a loose ball after a Rayan Ait-Nouri cross. City dominated the first half, showcasing their signature possession-based style. However, Al Hilal came out strong after the break, with Marcos Leonardo equalizing early in the second half. Six minutes later, Malcom capitalized on a counter-attack, firing a shot past Ederson to give Al Hilal the lead.
Erling Haaland quickly responded for City, leveling the score. Despite City's pressure, Al Hilal remained resilient, forcing the game into extra time. Kalidou Koulibaly's header from a corner put Al Hilal ahead once more, but Phil Foden equalized for City, scoring his 100th goal for the club. With the score tied 3-3, Marcos Leonardo struck again in the 112th minute, securing a historic victory for Al Hilal.
The loss is a significant blow for Manchester City, who entered the tournament as heavy favorites after winning the UEFA Champions League. Despite fielding a strong lineup, City struggled defensively and failed to assert their dominance against a determined Al Hilal side. The defeat marks the end of a season without international silverware for City and raises questions about their performance on the global stage.
Al Hilal's victory is a testament to their ambition and progress under coach Jorge Jesus. The Saudi club displayed pace, belief, and a fearless approach, ultimately outplaying the European champions. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou also proved to be a crucial figure, denying City on multiple occasions. This win sends Al Hilal to the quarterfinals, where they will face Fluminense.
The match was filled with drama and momentum swings. Al Hilal's comeback in the second half and their resilience in extra time showcased their fighting spirit. The game also featured controversial moments, including a VAR check for handball on City's opening goal. Ultimately, Al Hilal's clinical finishing and determination proved to be the difference.