Manchester City crashed out of the Club World Cup following a dramatic 4–3 extra-time defeat to Al-Hilal in a pulsating last-16 tie in Orlando.
Saudi striker Marcos Leonardo scored twice—including a decisive 112th-minute winner—as Al-Hilal stunned Pep Guardiola’s side in a match packed with controversy, missed chances, and late drama. The result sent Al-Hilal into the quarter-finals, where they will face Fluminense for a place in the semi-finals.
City took the lead in the ninth minute through Bernardo Silva in controversial circumstances, with Al-Hilal protesting a possible handball in the build-up involving Rayan Ait-Nouri and Ilkay Gundogan. Referee Jesus Valenzuela allowed the goal to stand despite animated appeals from the Al-Hilal players.
Guardiola’s side dominated the first half but failed to capitalise on their chances. Yassine Bounou produced saves to deny Savinho, Gundogan, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku, while Silva also saw a shot parried.
Al-Hilal weathered the pressure and responded strongly after the break, scoring twice in seven minutes. Leonardo equalised with a header after City failed to deal with Joao Cancelo’s low cross and a rebound, before Malcom fired in from the edge of the box following a swift counter-attack.
Erling Haaland pulled City level from close range after a goalmouth scramble, but the European champions continued to look vulnerable at the back. Al-Hilal nearly went ahead again when Malcom was brought down in the area, but an offside flag spared City, and Manuel Akanji later produced a crucial recovery tackle.
The Premier League side pressed for a winner, with Akanji heading against the post and Haaland’s follow-up cleared off the line. Doku was hauled back in the final seconds, prompting protests from Guardiola, but the match headed into extra time.
City suffered a further setback when Haaland went off injured, and Al-Hilal took full advantage. Kalidou Koulibaly powered in a header to restore their lead before Phil Foden, on as a substitute for Rodri, levelled again with a superb volley from Rayan Cherki’s cross.
However, Al-Hilal had the final word as Leonardo reacted quickest to fire in the winner after Ederson spilled a header from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
City, who had approached the competition seriously, will rue their wasteful finishing and defensive lapses, while Al-Hilal celebrated a famous victory that sends them one step closer to global glory.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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