Manchester City knocked out of FIFA Club World Cup by Al-Hilal
Manchester City were eliminated from the FIFA Club World Cup in a sensational 3–4 defeat to Saudi side Al-Hilal, following an extra-time thriller.
The Premier League giants took the lead early and dominated the opening half but were undone by a resilient Al-Hilal performance and defensive frailties that saw them concede four goals — more than in their entire group stage campaign.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the 9th minute, finishing from close range after a defensive mix-up, though replays showed a possible handball by Rayan Aït-Nouri in the build-up, sparking protests from the Saudi side.
BERNARDO SILVA GOALLLL REIJNDERS WITH A BEAUTIFUL PASS TO AIT-NOURI TOO WOWWWWWpic.twitter.com/BK2hQXDyUf
City continued to threaten, with goalkeeper Bono making several crucial saves to deny Savinho, Ilkay Gündogan, and Josko Gvardiol before half-time.
But despite their dominance, the English side failed to extend their lead.
Just 44 seconds after the restart, Al-Hilal struck back. Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo headed in the equaliser, and moments later, Malcom gave them a shock 2–1 lead after racing clear to slot home coolly in the 52nd minute.
Cancelo sent Malcom on a run 💨
(via @DAZNFootball)pic.twitter.com/aMW8CmypikCity responded swiftly, with Erling Haaland levelling from a corner just three minutes later. Manuel Akanji then hit the post and Haaland’s follow-up was heroically cleared off the line by Ali Lajami as City searched for a late winner.
Kalidou Koulibaly appeared to have sealed it for Al-Hilal with a towering header in the 94th minute, only for Phil Foden to respond with a volley from a tight angle to make it 3–3.
But in the 112th minute, Leonardo popped up again, converting at the back post to give Al-Hilal an extraordinary victory and send City out of the tournament.
FUTEBOL, VOCÊ É O MAIOR ESPORTE DE TODOS OS TEMPOS.
Marcos Leonardo, no rebote! QUATRO A TRÊS PRO AL HILAL. pic.twitter.com/3XGJ2SFhukGoalkeeper Bono, who helped Morocco reach the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, was instrumental with 10 saves — a performance that kept Al-Hilal in the game during intense City pressure.
Leonardo, only 22, delivered the biggest performance of his young career, netting twice and proving decisive. Former City player João Cancelo also played a pivotal role, contributing to Al-Hilal’s attacking moments.
The defeat means an early return home for Pep Guardiola’s side, who entered the tournament as favourites. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal remain in Orlando to face Brazil’s Fluminense in Friday’s quarter-final.
The winner of that fixture will meet either Chelsea or Palmeiras in the semi-finals, set to be played in New York or New Jersey.