Al-Hilal Stun Manchester City in Club World Cup Extra-Time Thriller.

Al-Hilal Stun Manchester City in Club World Cup Extra-Time Thriller.

Manchester City Knocked Out of Club World Cup as Al-Hilal Strike Twice in Extra Time.

Last 16: Manchester City 3-4 Al-Hilal (aet)
Leonardo’s brace sets up quarter-final against Fluminense
By Jamie Jackson at Camping World Stadium, Orlando

Tue 1 Jul 2025 05:17 BST

In a pulsating last-16 tie at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Al-Hilal delivered one of the tournament’s greatest upsets, defeating Manchester City 4-3 after extra time in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. The Saudi Pro League side, led by new manager Simone Inzaghi, showcased resilience and clinical finishing to oust the defending champions, with Marcos Leonardo’s 112th-minute goal proving the decisive blow. This victory propels Al-Hilal into a quarter-final clash with Brazilian side Fluminense, while Manchester City head home, their hopes of adding another £9.6m to their £47.4m tournament earnings dashed, along with concerns over a potential injury to star midfielder Rodri.

A Night of High Drama

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with seven goals, controversial decisions, and a breathless extra-time period that left fans on the edge of their seats. Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, started brightly, dominating possession and creating chances, but their failure to capitalize on early opportunities and defensive vulnerabilities allowed Al-Hilal to stage a remarkable comeback. The Saudi side’s pace on the counterattack, combined with standout performances from Leonardo, Malcom, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, exposed City’s frailties in a game that will be remembered as a classic.

The turning point came in extra time, where Al-Hilal struck twice to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Kalidou Koulibaly’s towering header in the 94th minute gave Al-Hilal the lead, only for Phil Foden to respond with a sublime volley—his 100th goal for City—to level the score at 3-3. However, Leonardo’s second goal, a close-range finish after Ederson’s save on Sergej Milinković-Savić’s header, sealed City’s fate, sparking wild celebrations among Al-Hilal’s players and fans.

Early Dominance, Missed Opportunities

Manchester City began the match in typical fashion, controlling possession with 71.3% in the first half and creating a flurry of chances. Just nine minutes in, they took the lead through a controversial goal by Bernardo Silva. Rayan Ait-Nouri’s cross from the left sparked a scramble in Al-Hilal’s box, with the ball bouncing off Ilkay Gundogan before Silva bundled it in off his shin. Al-Hilal’s players were incensed, claiming handballs by both Ait-Nouri and Gundogan in the build-up. Replays suggested there may have been merit to their protests, but referee Jesús Valenzuela, backed by VAR, upheld the goal, declaring it “legal” over the stadium’s PA system. Al-Hilal’s players pointed to the Camping World Stadium screen, where replays were shown, but their protests were in vain.

City’s early dominance should have yielded more. Savinho was denied by a flailing save from Bounou, Gundogan squandered a clear run on goal, Josko Gvardiol missed with a header, and Jeremy Doku’s efforts lacked precision. Despite a shot count of nine to Al-Hilal’s three by half-time, City’s lead remained slender, a warning sign of the profligacy that would haunt them later.

Al-Hilal’s Second-Half Surge

Al-Hilal, under the guidance of Inzaghi—who had only two weeks to implement his preferred five-man backline after leaving Inter Milan—came out revitalized after the break. Just 44 seconds into the second half, they equalized. Former City full-back João Cancelo drove in a low cross, Ederson parried, and Malcom’s follow-up was blocked, but the ball looped up for Leonardo to head home. The Brazilian’s goal injected belief into Al-Hilal, and they capitalized again six minutes later. From a City corner, Al-Hilal broke at lightning speed, with Malcom sprinting clear and slotting a low shot past Ederson to give the Saudi side a shock 2-1 lead.

City responded swiftly, with Erling Haaland equalizing in the 55th minute. A Silva corner caused chaos in Al-Hilal’s box, with the ball pinging off Koulibaly and Nathan Ake before Haaland pounced to steer it home. However, the goal did little to settle City’s nerves, as their high defensive line continued to be exposed by Al-Hilal’s rapid counterattacks.

Extra Time: A Tale of Two Headers and a Decisive Strike

As the match ticked toward full time, both sides had chances to win it. Manuel Akanji struck the post with a header, and Haaland saw a follow-up effort cleared off the line by Ali Lajami. A late breakaway by Doku was halted by a robust challenge, prompting Guardiola to race onto the field in protest, but Valenzuela blew for extra time with the score locked at 2-2.

Extra time began with Al-Hilal taking the lead once more. Ruben Neves delivered a pinpoint corner, and Koulibaly rose above Dias and Ake to power a header past Ederson in the 94th minute. City’s disarray was evident, and their situation worsened when Rodri, introduced as a substitute in the 53rd minute, was forced off with an injury, later confirmed by Guardiola as a setback. Foden replaced him, and the substitution paid dividends in the 104th minute. New signing Rayan Cherki lofted a precise pass into the box, and Foden, with exquisite technique, volleyed home from a tight angle to make it 3-3, marking his 100th goal in his 319th appearance for City.

Just when it seemed City might force penalties, Al-Hilal struck the decisive blow. In the 112th minute, Renan Lodi’s cross found Milinković-Savić, whose header was brilliantly saved by Ederson. However, Leonardo was on hand to bundle in the rebound, sparking scenes of jubilation as he raced to the corner flag to celebrate with Al-Hilal’s fans. City, shell-shocked, could not respond, and Al-Hilal held firm to secure a historic victory.

Tactical Masterclass and Individual Brilliance

Simone Inzaghi’s tactical acumen was on full display, as Al-Hilal’s five-man backline frustrated City’s attacking fluidity while their pace on the counter exploited gaps in City’s defense. Despite missing key players like captain Salem Al-Dawsari and striker Aleksandar Mitrović, Al-Hilal’s European contingent—Ruben Neves, João Cancelo, and Kalidou Koulibaly—provided a solid foundation, while Malcom and Leonardo delivered the attacking thrust. Yassine Bounou, the Moroccan goalkeeper who shone at the 2022 World Cup, was immense, making 10 saves to keep Al-Hilal in the contest during City’s periods of dominance.

For Manchester City, the defeat exposed familiar defensive frailties, particularly their vulnerability to counterattacks. Guardiola’s decision to bench Foden and Cherki until extra time raised eyebrows, and the injury to Rodri, who requested to come off, added to City’s woes. Haaland battled tirelessly but was replaced by Omar Marmoush in extra time, while Doku and Savinho showed flashes of brilliance but lacked end product. The match highlighted the fine margins in knockout football, with City’s wastefulness in front of goal and defensive lapses proving costly.

Implications for Both Sides

For Al-Hilal, this victory is a landmark moment, not only for the club but for Saudi Arabian and Asian football. Described as the “Real Madrid of Saudi Arabia,” Al-Hilal’s ambition to compete with the world’s elite was evident in their performance against City and their earlier 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in the group stage. Inzaghi, who faced Guardiola’s City in the 2023 Champions League final with Inter Milan, exacted a measure of revenge, and his side’s £35m prize money reflects their growing stature. Their quarter-final against Fluminense, who upset Inter Milan earlier in the day, promises to be another intriguing battle.

For Manchester City, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. Having taken the Club World Cup seriously, Guardiola will rue the missed opportunities and defensive lapses that cost his side. The injury to Rodri, a pivotal figure in their midfield, could have ramifications for the upcoming Premier League season, while the psychological impact of such a high-profile loss may linger. Despite the £47.4m earned from the tournament, City’s early exit deprives them of a chance to add to their trophy cabinet and raises questions about their ability to manage intense schedules.

What They Said

Simone Inzaghi, Al-Hilal’s manager, hailed his team’s resilience: “Tonight we had to do something extraordinary. We knew how good Manchester City are. We had to climb Mount Everest without oxygen.” He praised the contributions of Leonardo and Bounou, noting their importance in key moments.

Pep Guardiola, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Al-Hilal’s quality: “We were so open. They had the ability to pass the ball and attack with quick players. Bono made incredible saves. We would have loved to continue, but now it’s time to rest and prepare for the new season.” He expressed disappointment but sought to minimize the defeat’s impact, emphasizing the fine margins in the game.

Looking Ahead

Al-Hilal now turn their attention to Fluminense in the quarter-finals on July 4 at Camping World Stadium. The Brazilian side’s 2-0 victory over Inter Milan signals their own upset potential, setting the stage for another compelling encounter. For Manchester City, the focus shifts to recovery and preparation for the 2025/26 Premier League season, with Guardiola likely to address the defensive issues exposed in Orlando.

This match will be remembered as a defining moment in the 2025 Club World Cup, a testament to the growing competitiveness of global football. Al-Hilal’s triumph over one of the world’s most dominant clubs underscores the tournament’s unpredictability and the rising influence of Saudi football on the global stage.

Match Details

Scoreline: Manchester City 3-4 Al-Hilal (aet)

Manchester City Goals: Bernardo Silva (9’), Erling Haaland (55’), Phil Foden (104’)

Al-Hilal Goals: Marcos Leonardo (46’, 112’), Malcom (51’), Kalidou Koulibaly (94’)

Venue: Camping World Stadium, Orlando

Attendance: Not reported

Referee: Jesús Valenzuela (Venezuela)

Key Moments

9’: Bernardo Silva opens the scoring for City after a controversial build-up involving potential handballs.

46’: Marcos Leonardo heads in Al-Hilal’s equalizer 44 seconds into the second half.

51’: Malcom gives Al-Hilal the lead with a clinical finish on the counter.

55’: Erling Haaland levels the score from a corner.

94’: Kalidou Koulibaly heads Al-Hilal back in front in extra time.

104’: Phil Foden’s sublime volley makes it 3-3, his 100th City goal.

112’: Marcos Leonardo scores the winner after Ederson’s save on Milinković-Savić.

Player Ratings

Manchester City: Ederson 6, Dias 5, Ake 5, Ait-Nouri 6, Gundogan 6, Silva 7, Haaland 7, Savinho 6, Doku 6, Gvardiol 5, Rodri 5 (Foden 8, Cherki 7, Akanji 6)

Al-Hilal: Bounou 9, Koulibaly 8, Neves 8, Cancelo 7, Lodi 7, Milinković-Savić 7, Malcom 8, Leonardo 9, Kanno 6

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