In a stunning upset at the FIFA Club World Cup, Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal defeated Manchester City 4-3 in extra time. Marcos Leonardo's goal in the 112th minute sealed the victory, sending the English giants crashing out of the tournament in the Round of 16. The match, held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, was a seven-goal thriller that saw Al Hilal repeatedly take the lead, only for City to respond, before Leonardo's late winner.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for Manchester City in the 9th minute, tapping home after an Ait-Nouri cross was deflected into his path. City controlled much of the first half, with opportunities for Jeremy Doku, Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan to extend their lead, but Al-Hilal's goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, proved difficult to beat. Al Hilal threatened on the break towards the end of the first half, serving as a warning of what was to come.
The second half began with Al Hilal scoring twice in quick succession. Marcos Leonardo leveled the score in the 46th minute, heading in after Ederson deflected the ball. Just six minutes later, Malcom put Al Hilal ahead, squeezing his shot past Ederson. City responded swiftly, with Erling Haaland pouncing on a loose ball in the 55th minute to equalize.
As the game headed into extra time, Kalidou Koulibaly rose to meet a Ruben Neves corner, heading home to put Al Hilal in front again in the 94th minute. City responded with a goal of their own when Rayan Cherki floated a ball to Phil Foden who scored in the 104th minute. However, it was Marcos Leonardo who had the final say, bundling the ball over the line in the 112th minute to secure a memorable victory for Al Hilal.
Al Hilal's relentless spirit and ability to capitalize on counter-attacks proved to be the difference. City struggled to contain Al Hilal's transitions, and their defense looked shaky at times. Al Hilal's goalkeeper, Bounou, also played a crucial role, making several important saves throughout the match.
Marcos Leonardo was named player of the match for his two goals, including the decisive winner. After the match, Leonardo dedicated his goals to his mother, who had recently spent 70 days in the ICU. Bernardo Silva admitted that City had paid the price for failing to control Al Hilal's counter-attacking. The result marks a significant upset in the Club World Cup and a memorable victory for Al Hilal.
