Manchester City

Al Hilal Stun Manchester City in Seven-Goal Club World Cup Thriller

Jul 1, 2025 — 3 min read
Al Hilal Stun Manchester City in Seven-Goal Club World Cup Thriller
Manchester City crashed out of the Club World Cup after defeat to Al Hilal

In a dramatic last-16 encounter at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal pulled off one of the tournament’s greatest upsets, defeating defending champions Manchester City 4-3 after extra time at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Marcos Leonardo’s 112th-minute winner sent the Saudi Pro League giants into the quarterfinals, where they will face Brazil’s Fluminense, while leaving Pep Guardiola’s star-studded squad reeling.

First Half: City’s Early Dominance Thwarted

Manchester City, fresh off a flawless group stage campaign with a +11 goal difference, started the match with their characteristic swagger. Just nine minutes in, captain Bernardo Silva put the Citizens ahead, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to sweep home from close range after a controversial moment where Al Hilal’s protests over a potential handball by Rayan Aït-Nouri were waved away by the referee. City dominated possession, holding 71.3% of the ball in the first half, and created a flurry of chances. Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero, denying Savinho, Ilkay Gündogan, and Josko Gvardiol with a string of spectacular saves to keep the score at 1-0 at halftime.

Despite City’s control, Al Hilal’s disciplined deep-block defense and hints of counter-attacking threat kept them in the contest, with Mohamed Kanno’s missed header a warning of their potential.

Second Half: Al Hilal’s Lightning Response

The game exploded into life immediately after the restart. Within 44 seconds, Marcos Leonardo equalized, heading in a looping rebound after Ederson’s sprawling save on João Cancelo’s delivery. Six minutes later, former Barcelona winger Malcom stunned City, racing clear on a counter-attack sparked by Cancelo’s pinpoint pass from deep and coolly slotting past Ederson to give Al Hilal a shock 2-1 lead.

City responded swiftly, with Erling Haaland pouncing on a Silva corner in the 55th minute to restore parity at 2-2. The Norwegian nearly won it late in normal time, but Ali Lajami’s desperate goal-line clearance kept Al Hilal alive, forcing the match into extra time.

Extra Time: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

The additional 30 minutes delivered unrelenting drama. Four minutes into extra time, former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly rose above Rúben Dias and Nathan Aké to power in a header from Rúben Neves’ corner, putting Al Hilal ahead 3-2. City, however, refused to surrender. Substitute Phil Foden, introduced for an injured Rodri, marked his 100th goal for the club with a sublime first-time volley in the 104th minute, set up by Rayan Cherki’s delicate lob, to make it 3-3.

Just when it seemed City had clawed their way back, Al Hilal delivered the decisive blow. In the 112th minute, Renan Lodi’s curved cross found Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, whose header was parried by Ederson, only for Leonardo to bundle in his second goal of the night at the back post. City pushed desperately in the final minutes, with Ederson even going up for a late corner, but Al Hilal held firm, with Bounou catching a crucial cross to seal the victory.

Final Thoughts

Al Hilal’s victory is a landmark moment for Saudi Arabian and Asian football, with Milinkovic-Savic hitting back at detractors of the Saudi Pro League: “This shows we deserve to be here.” Under Simone Inzaghi, whose tactical acumen outfoxed Guardiola, Al Hilal’s disciplined yet incisive display has sent shockwaves through the tournament. Their quarterfinal clash with Fluminense promises to be another test of their newfound global credentials.

For Manchester City, the defeat marks a bitter end to a challenging season. Despite their group stage dominance, defensive frailties and a lack of clinical edge in key moments saw them exit earlier than expected. The loss of Rodri to an injury setback in extra time adds further concern for Guardiola ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign

Published by
Archie Ampofo
Archie Ampofo
Football writer covering all the latest news in the English Premier League and Championship.
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