In a jaw-dropping upset, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal eliminated European champions Manchester City 4–3 in a gripping extra-time contest in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The win sets up an all-Latin quarterfinal showdown with Brazil’s Fluminense, who earlier dispatched Inter Milan in another shock result.
City drew first blood in the 9th minute when Bernardo Silva tapped in from close range following a defensive scramble. However, Al Hilal’s response was swift and stunning. Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo equalised just after halftime, nodding in a rebound. Moments later, Malcom’s cool finish put Al Hilal 2–1 ahead.
Although Erling Haaland drew City level again in the 55th minute, the Saudi club refused to back down. In extra time, Kalidou Koulibaly’s glancing header reclaimed the lead for Al Hilal, only for Phil Foden to equalise with a sublime volley. But it was Leonardo’s persistence and second goal of the night—after a rebound from a Sergej Milinkovic-Savic header—that sealed the historic victory.
“We knew it would be tough against the best, but we showed our identity,” said Koulibaly post-match. “Every chance, we took it—and defensively, we were warriors.”
City’s usually relentless attacking force met its match in Yassine Bounou, whose crucial saves in regulation kept Al Hilal in the fight.
This win not only eliminates one of the tournament favourites but also signals the rising competitiveness of Saudi clubs on the global stage.
