ORLANDO, Fla. — Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal delivered one of the biggest shocks in FIFA Club World Cup history, stunning European champion Manchester City 4-3 in extra time Monday night to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2025 tournament.
In a dramatic Round of 16 match at Camping World Stadium, Al Hilal scored twice in extra time to eliminate the English powerhouse, which entered the expanded Club World Cup as one of the title favorites. The victory marked the first time a Saudi club has defeated a reigning UEFA Champions League winner in the competition.
Al Hilal’s Marcos Leonardo netted the decisive goal in the 112th minute, finishing a low cross from the right side after Manchester City failed to clear its lines. The goal capped a wild match that saw seven goals, multiple momentum swings and a raucous crowd split between blue-clad City supporters and a growing contingent of Al Hilal fans.
“This is a historic night for our club and for Saudi football,” Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus said. “We showed courage, belief and discipline against one of the best teams in the world, and my players never stopped fighting.”
Manchester City struck first in the 9th minute when Phil Foden curled a shot into the top corner following a quick exchange with Kevin De Bruyne. Al Hilal responded before halftime through Malcom, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the score in the 34th minute.
City regained the lead shortly after the break as Erling Haaland powered in a header from close range, but Al Hilal answered again in the 67th when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic converted from the penalty spot after a foul in the box.
The match appeared to tilt back in City’s favor when substitute Julian Alvarez scored in the 84th minute, giving the Premier League champions a 3-2 advantage. However, Al Hilal forced extra time in stoppage time as Salem Al-Dawsari slipped behind the defense and calmly finished past goalkeeper Ederson.
In extra time, both teams showed signs of fatigue, but Al Hilal seized control. Leonardo put the Saudi side ahead in the 101st minute with a rebound finish before City equalized again through Haaland, who scored his second of the night in the 105th.
The final blow came seven minutes later when Leonardo struck again, silencing City supporters and sending Al Hilal’s bench into celebration.
“It’s football — sometimes it’s cruel,” City manager Pep Guardiola said. “We had chances to finish the game, and we didn’t. Credit to Al Hilal, they were brave and very efficient.”
Manchester City outshot Al Hilal 22-14 and dominated possession, but defensive mistakes and missed opportunities proved costly. The loss ends City’s hopes of adding a Club World Cup title to its recent continental success.
Al Hilal will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup later this week, carrying momentum — and history — forward in a tournament already defined by surprise.
