In a match that will be recalled as one of the greatest upsets in recent soccer history, Al‑Hilal stunned reigning European champions Manchester City with a breathtaking 4–3 extra-time victory on June 30, 2025, in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium.The Riyadh-based side, coached by Simone Inzaghi, showcased composure and resilience throughout, punctuated by a memorable brace from Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo.
First Half: Bernardo Silva Controversial Opener
- Manchester City drew first blood just nine minutes in, when Bernardo Silva finished off a scramble in the box following a spilled clearance.
- Al‑Hilal immediately protested the goal, pointing to a potential handball by Rayan Aït‑Nouri in the buildup. VAR reviewed the incident, but the goal stood.
Second Half: Al‑Hilal Fires Back
- The game shifted momentum early in the second half: at 46′, Leonardo leveled the score with a smart header off a rebound
- Minutes later, Malcom, playing off João Cancelo, put Al‑Hilal ahead 2–1.
- Erling Haaland countered for City in the 55th minute, scoring amidst a chaotic corner exchange to make it 2–2.
Extra Time Drama: Blood-Pumping Comeback
- In the 94th minute, Kalidou Koulibaly, rising amidst traffic, headed in Ruben Neves’ corner to give Al‑Hilal a 3–2 lead.
- Substitute Phil Foden equalized soon after, volleying in at the 104′ mark from a slick Cherki assist to level at 3–3.
- With just eight minutes left, Leonardo sealed the dramatic 4–3 win: Ederson saved a Milinković‑Savić header, but the rebound fell to Leonardo, who tapped it home while falling.
Bounou, the Wall
Al‑Hilal’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as a hero, delivering a string of crucial saves—including several key stops from Haaland and Dias—to keep his team in the game
Post-Match Reflections
- Kalidou Koulibaly, who netted the first extra-time goal, praised his side: “We knew it was a difficult game against one of the best teams in the world… defensively very strong and offensively clinical”
- Pep Guardiola of City lamented the narrow margins that sealed their exit, expressing pride in his side’s efforts despite the painful outcome.
Historical Significance
- The win marks a monumental milestone in Middle Eastern football, with Al‑Hilal overcoming arguably the strongest club on the planet.
- The victory propels Al‑Hilal into a quarter-final clash against Fluminense, set for July 4 in Orlando.
- The 2025 edition sees an expanded 32‑team format, making such upsets more possible, but few predicted Al‑Hilal’s rise above European heavyweights.
Key Takeaways
| Theme | Insight |
|---|---|
| Counterattack Mastery | Al‑Hilal hurt City with pace on transitions—Malcom and Leonardo capitalized on space. |
| Coaching Brilliance | Inzaghi implemented a resilient defensive structure with an effective five-man backline . |
| City’s Missed Chances | Despite dominance in the first half, City’s profligacy in front of goal—and Bounou’s form—was costly . |
What’s Next?
- Al‑Hilal advance to face Fluminense in a quarter-final showdown on July 4 in Orlando. A win would secure their spot in the semi-finals against European or South American opposition .
- Manchester City, meanwhile, return home following their early elimination—avoiding the winners’ bracket but eager to regroup ahead of the new season.
This behind-the-scenes look captures the emotions and significance of a match that will be etched in Club World Cup lore. Let me know if you’d like player interviews, tactical breakdowns, or analysis of the upcoming quarter-final clash!
