Al Hilal knock Man City out of Club World Cup in stunning upset

Orlando (USA): Manchester City were knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup in a stunning 4-3 extra-time defeat to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, marking one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history. Al Hilal now advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Brazilian club Fluminense, ensuring a non-European side in the last four.

Pep Guardiola's men took the lead in the ninth minute when Bernardo Silva slotted in from close range after Rayan Ait-Nouri’s delivery, though Al Hilal players protested for handball in the build-up. Despite City dominating much of the first half and creating multiple chances, they failed to extend their lead, with Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making a series of crucial saves to keep Al Hilal in the match.

City were made to pay for their missed opportunities just moments into the second half. Former City full-back Joao Cancelo’s low cross led to a scramble in the box, eventually allowing Marcos Leonardo to head in the equaliser. Six minutes later, a long ball from Cancelo released Malcolm, who beat Ederson to give Al Hilal a 2-1 lead.

Guardiola responded with a triple substitution, bringing on Rodri, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji, which helped stabilise City’s defence. Erling Haaland then levelled the score at 2-2, reacting quickest to a loose ball from a corner. Despite piling on pressure late in normal time, City were repeatedly denied by Bounou and a goal-line clearance from substitute Ali Lajami.

In extra time, Al Hilal’s spirit shone through. Kalidou Koulibaly rose to meet Ruben Neves’s corner and headed home to restore their lead. City answered once more with a moment of brilliance—Rayan Cherki floated in a perfect pass that Phil Foden met at the far post, finishing with precision to make it 3-3 and bring up his 100th goal for the club.

But Al Hilal would not be denied. In the second period of extra time, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s header was parried by Ederson, but Marcos Leonardo was there again to score the decisive goal, completing his brace and sealing an emotional victory.

Leonardo later revealed that the win carried personal significance, as his mother had recently spent 70 days in the ICU. "Today she's fine, thank God. When I scored those two goals, I thought of her. She was able to watch the match," he said.

Reflecting on the defeat, City captain Bernardo Silva admitted his side were undone by Al Hilal’s counter-attacking threat. “We scored three and could’ve scored five or six. It was all about controlling transitions, but we let them run too many times,” he said. “With one or two passes, there was always danger.”

Manager Guardiola, speaking via the club's official website, praised his team’s effort and attitude throughout the tournament. “We created a lot. In general, we were good, but it’s a pity. I cannot thank the staff and players enough. They gave everything,” he said. “Now, it’s time to rest and refresh our minds and come back next season.”

Despite their early exit, Guardiola found positives in the team’s performance and spirit. “I saw many good things I didn’t see in the past—the connection between players and staff. The sessions were really good, but the levels here are so high. You have to be clinical,” he added.

Manchester City’s players and coaches will now take a break before regrouping at the City Football Academy to prepare for the 2025–26 domestic season.