Al Hilal Upsets Manchester City in Thrilling 4-3 Victory
In a stunning turn of events, Al Hilal triumphed over Manchester City with a 4-3 victory in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals held in Orlando. The match, which took place on June 30, 2025, was marked by exhilarating moments and remarkable displays of skill, particularly from Al Hilal’s Marcos Leonardo, who netted his second goal in the 112th minute to secure the win.
Match Highlights
First Half: A Strong Start for Manchester City
- Early Lead: Manchester City asserted their dominance early in the match with a goal from Bernardo Silva in the 9th minute, despite a controversial touch from his teammate Rayan Ait-Nouri.
- Defensive Standouts: City showcased their attacking prowess with a commanding 7-0 edge in shots on target during the first half, but it was Yassine Bounou, Al Hilal’s goalkeeper, who stood tall, making crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
Second Half: Al Hilal’s Resurgence
Al Hilal came out with renewed energy in the second half, quickly changing the game’s dynamics:
- Instant Equalizer: Just 42 seconds into the half, Marcos Leonardo scored, converting a rebound after Ederson’s save.
- Taking the Lead: In the 52nd minute, a masterful play from Malcom, aided by former City player Joao Cancelo, put Al Hilal ahead 2-1.
Late Drama and Climactic Finish
- City Strikes Back: Manchester City responded quickly; Erling Haaland found the net in the 55th minute, leveling the score at 2-2.
- Thriller in Extra Time: The match continued to deliver drama as Kalidou Koulibaly scored a header in the 114th minute, giving Al Hilal a 3-2 advantage. City, however, responded with another equalizer from Phil Foden before Leonardo sealed the victory in dramatic fashion.
Key Player Performances
Marcos Leonardo
- Goals: 2
- Decisive Moment: His second goal in extra time was a critical turnaround that stunned City.
Yassine Bounou
- Saves: 10
- Game Impact: His performance in goal was pivotal, making significant stops against Manchester’s relentless attacks.
Other Notable Contributions
- Malcom: Scored a crucial goal that shifted the game’s momentum in Al Hilal’s favor.
- Kalidou Koulibaly: Demonstrated leadership and skill with his header.
Upcoming Match
Following this dramatic win, Al Hilal is set to face Fluminense on Friday in the next round of the Club World Cup. Fluminense advanced after defeating Inter Milan 2-0, making for a highly anticipated clash.
Conclusion
Al Hilal’s thrilling upset not only highlights their resilience but also sets the stage for an exciting continued journey in the FIFA Club World Cup. For fans worldwide, the Club World Cup action is accessible for free on DAZN, allowing everyone to catch all the adrenaline-filled moments.
This engaging encounter serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football and the excitement that comes with international competitions. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the tournament progresses.
