Al Hilal 4–3 Manchester City As It Happened
In an epic extra-time thriller in Orlando, Saudi side, Al Hilal pulled off one of the biggest shocks in Club World Cup history by stunning Premier League Giants Man City 4–3. The Riyadh based outfit were massive underdogs going into this round of 16 match up but they proved to be no pushovers.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring n’ime minutes into the game amid controversy after his shot deflected off Gundogan from a cross. Marcos Leonardo drew Al Hilal level few minutes before half time. They took the lead through Malcolm’s strike early in the second half but Erling Haaland restored parity moments later.
With nothing to separate the two sides after 90 rigorous minutes, extra time was required. Al Hilal won a corner from which Koulibaly put them 3-2 up, turning in a Ruben Neves cross.
Phil Foden levelled for City but Leonardo completed his brace with a rebound finish to seal the upset. 
Talking points
• Magnificent Bounou stands tall: Yassine Bounou’s heroics in goal was key to Al Hilal’s victory. The goal keeper made a whooping 10 saves to ensure Man City were sent packing from the FIFA Club World Cup.
• City’s dominance neutralized: Although Man City were not favourites to win this competition, only a few would have expected them to be knocked out this early, more so at the hands of Al Hilal. The Cityzens had more of the ball but Al Hilal’s counter-attacking prowess neutralized that dominance.
• Game of the tournament contender: With 47 shots and 20 on target between both teams, this match was arguably the tournament’s best match in entertainment value.
Financial Implications of Al Hilal’s Triumph
The defeat means Guardiola’s side miss out on the $7.5 million bonus for a Round of 16 win plus potential bonus earnings (Quarterfinal = +$13.125 million, Semifinal = +$21 million, Finalist= +$21 million, Winner = +$40.0 million), intensifying their financial and strategic losses.
Al Hilal pocketed $7.5 million for their Round of 16 victory. Progressing to the quarter-finals guarantees another $13.125 million, with potential to climb higher with semi-final or final wins .
The win underscores Saudi investment in football and continues to elevate the Saudi Pro League’s global profile.
Al Hilal vs Fluminense (Quarter-final Preview – July 4)
Next up for Al Hilal is a crunch tie with Fluminense, who shocked Inter Milan 2–0 earlier on the same day.
Tactical Watch
• Al Hilal rely on structured counter-attack precision, backed by solid midfield transitions and defensive resilience under Inzaghi.
• Fluminense, brimming with confidence after dismantling Inter, will use Brazilian flair, momentum, and creativity (notably from Arias and Cano)
What to expect
A fiercely competitive showdown between two of the tournament’s dark horses. This fixture ensures there would be at least one non-European team in the semis.
Club World 2025 Quarter-final Fixtures
• Fluminense vs Al Hilal
• Palmeiras vs Chelsea
• Paris St. Germain vs Bayern Munich
• Real Madrid or Juventus vs Dortmund or Monterey
Follow all the action live.
