Al‑Hilal Stuns Man City 4–3 in Club World Cup – Thriller in Orlando
Orlando erupts as Al‑Hilal send City crashing out
July 1, 2025 — The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup produced an instant classic in Orlando when Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al‑Hilal fought back twice and ultimately felled treble‑winners Manchester City 4‑3 after extra time. Two goals from 22‑year‑old striker Marcos Leonardo, a towering header by Kalidou Koulibaly, and a tour‑de‑force goalkeeping display from Yassine Bounou overturned City’s early control and Pep Guardiola’s perfect record in this competition.
Rapid‑fire timeline
| Minute | Goal | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 9′ | Bernardo Silva tap‑in after VAR‑checked handball | 1‑0 |
| 46′ | Leonardo header from Malcom cross | 1‑1 |
| 52′ | Malcom breakaway finish | 1‑2 |
| 55′ | Erling Haaland low drive | 2‑2 |
| 94′ | Koulibaly towering header, Renan Lodi corner | 2‑3 |
| 104′ | Phil Foden first‑time volley | 3‑3 |
| 112′ | Leonardo rebound off Bounou long throw counter | 3‑4 |
The thriller marks only the second time under Guardiola that City have conceded four in a knockout tie since 2022, underscoring how fiercely Simone Inzaghi set up his Saudi champions to absorb and strike.
Tactical swing: Inzaghi’s bold high line vs. Guardiola’s rotations
-
Compact 5‑4‑1 out of possession kept City’s creators outside zone 14; Cancelo and Lodi trapped City wingers high.
-
When possession turned over, Rúben Neves hit early diagonals behind City’s advanced full‑backs, releasing Malcom and Salem Al‑Dawsari.
-
Guardiola’s surprise starts for Rayan Cherki over Rodri aimed to overload between Al‑Hilal’s midfield lines but left transition gaps City never sealed.
-
Al‑Hilal’s average line of engagement (43 m) was eight metres deeper than in group play, yet they still completed 18 progressive carries — four more than City.
Heroes & heartbreak
| Star Performer | Why it mattered |
|---|---|
| Yassine Bounou | 10 saves, including two point‑blank stops from Haaland (xGOT prevented 1.7). |
| Marcos Leonardo | Youngest player on the pitch; brace took him to 5 goals in 4 CWC matches. |
| Kalidou Koulibaly | Won 7/9 aerial duels; decisive extra‑time header swung momentum. |
| Phil Foden | City’s best outlet after 70′, goal and three key passes, but in vain. |
Guardiola admitted post‑match: “We did enough to progress, but football punishes lapses. Al‑Hilal seized everyone.” Meanwhile Bounou called it “a dream for Saudi football.”
What the upset means
-
Quarter‑final date with Fluminense: Al‑Hilal now face the Libertadores champions in Miami on July 5.
-
City’s £9.6 million prize‑money hopes vanish along with Guardiola’s unbeaten CWC streak.
-
Saudi momentum: Victory arrives six months after the kingdom was confirmed as 2034 World Cup host, amplifying the SPL’s ambition.
-
UEFA vs. AFC narrative: European dominance takes a dent — Opta’s model gave Al‑Hilal just a 17 % chance pre‑kick‑off.
Key stats (90+ET)
-
Shots: City 28 – 14 Al‑Hilal
-
On target: City 13 – 8 Al‑Hilal
-
xG: City 3.4 – 2.1 Al‑Hilal
-
Possession: City 61 % – 39 % Al‑Hilal
-
Fast‑break goals: Al‑Hilal 2 (Malcom 52′, Leonardo 112′)
(Stats via FIFA feed & Opta)
Quote vault
Simone Inzaghi: “We studied Guardiola’s automatisms; the boys executed with heart. This is Asian football’s statement.”
Erling Haaland: “We gave them life. Tough lesson.”
How to watch the replay
-
FIFA+ — full match available on demand for global audiences.
-
ESPN+ (US) — 30‑minute highlight package.
-
ITV4 (UK) — condensed replay tonight 22:30 BST.
FAQ
Q1: Who scored the winning goal in Man City vs Al‑Hilal?
A: Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo grabbed the 112th‑minute winner with a close‑range finish.
Q2: When is Al‑Hilal’s next Club World Cup match?
A: July 5, 2025, against Copa Libertadores holders Fluminense in Miami
