- Opening goal (40′): Brazilian midfielder Matheus Martinelli fired a spectacular left-footed strike into the top-right corner after capitalizing on a defensive lapse by João Cancelo, giving Fluminense the lead at halftime.
- Al‑Hilal equalizer (51′): The Saudi side struck early in the second half. A powerful header by Kalidou Koulibaly bounced to Marcos Leonardo, who clinically finished to level the score.
- Decisive goal (70′): Substitute Hercules scored the winner with a composed finish—following his return from a previous goal in the last 16—securing a memorable underdog triumph for Fluminense.
Key Insights
Emotional Tribute Before Kick-off
A touching minute’s silence honored the late Diogo Jota and his brother, who tragically died the previous day. Tears rolled down from Al‑Hilal’s João Cancelo and Rúben Neves, reflecting the deep emotional impact on the players.
Underdogs with Heart
Captain Thiago Silva expressed pride in the team’s “resilience,” acknowledging their semi-final qualification felt worlds away at the start. Indeed, they’ve already generated headlines, including a shocking elimination of Inter Milan in earlier rounds.
Tactical and Physical Battle
Despite Al‑Hilal’s physical dominance—with more shots, possession, and aerial presence—they couldn’t crack Fluminense’s defense when it mattered. Yassine Bounou made several key saves, but Hercules’ strike proved decisive.
Quotes
- Thiago Silva: “If you asked me a while ago… I wouldn’t say I wouldn’t believe it… but it was so far away from us.”
- Simone Inzaghi (Al‑Hilal coach): “It’s painful to go out… but I’m proud of our fight, and of how far we came.”
What Lies Ahead
- Next match: Fluminense will face the winner of Palmeiras vs. Chelsea in the semi-finals in New Jersey, setting up either a historic all-Brazilian clash or a Brazil vs. England showdown.
- Asian representation ends: Al‑Hilal’s impressive run concludes here, signaling the end of Asia’s involvement in this year’s tournament.
Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Result | Fluminense 2–1 Al‑Hilal |
| Goal scorers | Martinelli (40′), Leonardo (51′), Hercules (70′) |
| Emotional start | Minute’s silence for Diogo Jota and his brother; tears from Cancelo/Neves |
| Path ahead | Semi-final spot; awaiting Chelsea/Palmeiras winner |
Fluminense’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable—from underdogs to semi-finalists, they continue defying expectations on a global stage.
