In one of the biggest shocks in Club World Cup history, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal stunned English powerhouse Manchester City 4-3 in extra time to storm into the quarter-finals on Monday. Despite City’s early dominance and an opening goal from Bernardo Silva, Al Hilal produced a fearless, spirited performance to pull off an unforgettable victory at the end of a dramatic encounter.
Marcos Leonardo Delivers Historic Win
The match was level at 2-2 after full-time, but Marcos Leonardo netted the decisive goal in extra time, sealing Al Hilal’s place in the quarter-finals where they will face Brazilian side Fluminense. The result ensures that at least one non-European team will reach the last four.
Under new coach Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal combined tactical discipline with bursts of counter-attacking brilliance. Their determination paid off against a Manchester City team that had looked unstoppable in their 5-2 demolition of Juventus just days earlier.
Early Controversy, Missed Chances for City
City took the lead in the 9th minute through Bernardo Silva after Rayan Ait-Nouri’s deflected cross found him in the box. Al Hilal players protested a potential handball in the buildup, but the referee allowed the goal to stand.
Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, City failed to extend their lead. Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was outstanding, pulling off key saves to keep Al Hilal in the match. Close-range efforts from Ilkay Gundogan, Josko Gvardiol, and Jeremy Doku were all denied.
Al Hilal Turn the Game Around
The turning point came early in the second half. Former City player Joao Cancelo’s low cross led to a chaotic sequence ending with Marcos Leonardo heading in the equaliser. Minutes later, Malcolm capitalized on City’s high defensive line to put Al Hilal 2-1 ahead.
City hit back when Erling Haaland tapped in a loose ball from a corner to make it 2-2. But despite wave after wave of attacks, City couldn’t find the breakthrough in regular time thanks to more Bounou heroics and a crucial goal-line clearance from Ali Lajami.
Extra Time Drama
The rollercoaster continued in extra time. Kalidou Koulibaly scored a towering header from a Ruben Neves corner to give Al Hilal a 3-2 lead. Phil Foden responded brilliantly with a tight-angle finish to level things again.
But Al Hilal weren’t done. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s header was parried by Ederson, only for Marcos Leonardo to follow up and tap in his second goal of the night—securing a famous 4-3 victory.
Guardiola’s City Fall Short
Pep Guardiola made several changes in an effort to regain control, including introducing Rodri and Phil Foden, but City couldn’t cope with Al Hilal’s relentless pressure and clinical finishing in key moments.
Al Hilal now prepare to face Fluminense in the Club World Cup quarter-finals. For Manchester City, the shock exit will be a bitter pill to swallow in a season where they were aiming for global supremacy.
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