In Summary:
- Al-Hilal pulled off a major surprise, knocking out reigning champions Manchester City with a 4-3 extra-time victory in the FIFA Club World Cup.
- The match was a goal-filled, back-and-forth affair, with both teams taking and losing the lead multiple times before Al-Hilal sealed the win.
- This early exit is a significant blow for Manchester City, while Al-Hilal’s historic triumph showcases their rising global presence in club football.
In a stunning upset, Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal defeated current title holders Manchester City 4-3 in extra time during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The exciting match saw both teams trade goals, with Al-Hilal ultimately securing their victory through a late strike. This unexpected outcome means Manchester City is out of the tournament early, marking a big moment for Al-Hilal on the world stage.
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A Rollercoaster of Goals
The high-scoring affair began with Manchester City taking an early lead in the 9th minute through Bernardo Silva.
However, Al-Hilal quickly turned the tide in the second half. Just a minute after the restart, Marcos Leonardo capitalized on a deflection to equalize, and then Malcom put the Saudi side ahead in the 52nd minute.
City’s star striker Erling Haaland promptly responded in the 55th minute, leveling the score once again after a corner.
The intensity continued into extra time, where Kalidou Koulibaly headed in for Al-Hilal in the 94th minute, giving them the lead for a second time.
Phil Foden then marked his 100th goal for City in the 104th minute, seemingly bringing them back into contention.
However, it was Marcos Leonardo who delivered the decisive blow for Al-Hilal in the 112th minute, securing his brace and the victory for his team.
Key Moments and Missed Opportunities
Manchester City started strongly, with Jeremy Doku creating an early chance for Ruben Dias, whose header was saved by Al-Hilal’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Bounou proved to be a crucial figure throughout the match, making several key saves, including denying Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan from close range in the first half.
Despite City’s attacking prowess, including a strong performance from Doku on the left wing, they couldn’t convert all their opportunities.
Al-Hilal, meanwhile, demonstrated their clinical edge on the counterattack, capitalizing on City’s defensive lapses, particularly at the start of the second half.
The Saudi Arabian team, which had previously reached the FIFA Club World Cup final in 2022, showed resilience and determination to overcome the European champions.
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What This Means for Both Teams
For Manchester City, the defeat means an early exit from the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
As reigning champions from the 2023 edition (which was the last under the old format), their elimination in the Round of 16 is a significant upset.
The team will now return to England to prepare for the upcoming 2025/26 domestic season.
Al-Hilal’s victory marks a historic moment for the club, showcasing their growing presence on the international stage.
Their journey in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 continues, and they will undoubtedly be a team to watch as the tournament progresses.
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