Al Hilal Stuns Manchester City with 4-3 Extra-Time Victory in 2025 Club World Cup

In one of the tournament's biggest upsets, Al Hilal knocked out reigning champions Manchester City with a thrilling 4-3 extra-time victory in the Club World Cup round of 16 held in Orlando.

Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for City in the 9th minute, capitalising on a pass following a potentially controversial rebound off Rayan Aït-Nouri's arm. Although Al Hilal players protested, the goal was upheld after review.

In an unexpected twist, Marcos Leonardo equalised just 42 seconds into the second half, following a scramble in the box. Shortly after, in the 52nd minute, Malcom finished a lethal counterattack to put the Saudi side 2-1 ahead.

Erling Haaland responded almost immediately (55th minute), seizing a loose ball in the area to level the score at 2-2. The match remained open until the end of regulation time, with chances for both teams.

Just as extra time began, Kalidou Koulibaly put Al Hilal ahead again with a powerful header from a corner in the 94th minute. Phil Foden, who had come on minutes earlier, equalised once more in the 104th minute, marking his 100th goal for Manchester City.

However, as the match seemed destined for penalties, Marcos Leonardo struck again in the 112th minute. After Ederson parried a shot from Milinkovic-Savic, the Brazilian forward pounced on the rebound to secure the decisive 4-3.

Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was instrumental in Al Hilal's feat, making 10 saves throughout the match. He thwarted dangerous attempts from Savinho, Gvardiol, Haaland, and Ruben Dias, holding his team together when it mattered most. Al Hilal now advances to the Club World Cup quarter-finals to face Fluminense, who defeated Inter Milan 2-0.

For Manchester City, this is a significant blow in a tournament they aimed to win for the first time, with potential criticism directed at tactical decisions and Pep Guardiola's management of the match. Al Hilal's coach, Simone Inzaghi, hailed the victory as "historic," highlighting the team's collective effort and character.

In contrast, Guardiola reflects on why his team, dominant in parts of the match, failed to close out a game where they had the advantage in possession and clear chances.

This result marks a turning point in Club World Cup history, as Al Hilal becomes the first Asian team to eliminate a European champion. Now, the Saudi club will look to continue their dream against another champion, this time from the Copa Libertadores.