Manchester City Stunned by Al Hilal in Thrilling Club World Cup Last-16 Clash
Manchester City's Early Promise Undone in Extra Time
If you thought Manchester City would cruise past Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup, think again. On a humid night in Orlando, it was the Saudi champions who had the last laugh, eliminating Pep Guardiola’s men in a wild 4-3 affair that needed extra time to settle.
City, fresh off a confident group stage, looked sharp and poised in the opening moments. Bernardo Silva struck first after a slick passage of play, slamming home from close range to give City fans hope. Not to be outdone, Erling Haaland doubled the lead just minutes later, picking up where he left off in the domestic campaign and suggesting City were in for a comfortable night.
But Al Hilal weren’t just in the States to make up the numbers. Almost instantly, they clawed a goal back through Brazilian winger Michael, whose darting run and finish had City’s defense scratching their heads. This wasn’t the only scare. Al Hilal pressed aggressively, happy to let City hold possession as they waited to break with pace and precision whenever gaps appeared.
Al Hilal’s Comeback and Tactical Surprises
Pep Guardiola had surprised some with three changes to his starting eleven, including giving rising Brazilian talent Savinho another shot to impress. Guardiola had called him a player of “extraordinary potential” a few days prior, and the 20-year-old winger didn’t shy away from the occasion. His directness created chances, but the end product often fizzled against Al Hilal’s disciplined backline.
By halftime, City’s familiar control was already fading. Al Hilal, galvanized by their earlier goal, came out swinging after the interval. Their equalizer, a sharp counter led by Malcom, left City exposed and suddenly the knockout tie was level with everything on the line.
Substitutions came thick and fast, with Guardiola trying to regain control. But just as City seemed to be building momentum, another sucker punch arrived: a clumsy defensive error allowed Al Hilal to snatch a third. The Premier League champions refused to back down and fought back to make it 3-3, breathing new life into the contest as regulation time expired.
Extra time was all about energy, and here’s where Al Hilal really shined. Their tactical discipline held firm while their attackers found little pockets of space City simply couldn’t cover. It was Al Dawsari who dealt the knockout blow, curling an unstoppable shot past Ederson in the 112th minute. City looked stunned, out of ideas, and utterly spent. Guardiola’s attempts to rally the squad were met with tired legs and anguished faces.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations in the Al Hilal camp as their players collapsed to the turf, having secured a result few had predicted. Post-match, Guardiola admitted his team struggled to adapt to Al Hilal’s relentless counters and organisation. He made a point to praise the resolve and strategy of the Saudi champions, calling them "worthy opponents" and highlighting how much global football has changed with emerging teams able to topple the established giants.
City’s exit at this stage will sting for players and fans alike, especially after such a dramatic and open contest. For Al Hilal, this victory is a massive statement, proving that Saudi football is more than just big names and big budgets—it’s about grit, tactical discipline, and seizing your moment on the world stage.