2025-07-01T06:32:56Z

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In a stunning turn of events at the Club World Cup, Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal triumphed over English Premier League giants Manchester City with a thrilling 4-3 victory, which was sealed in extra time. The match took place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, where an eager crowd of 42,311 fans witnessed a rollercoaster of a game that showcased the unpredictable nature of football.

Al-Hilal's Marcos Leonardo emerged as the hero of the night, scoring twice, including the decisive goal in the 112th minute. The dramatic moment unfolded when Manchester City’s goalkeeper Ederson made a crucial save against a header from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, only for the ball to ricochet into Leonardo's path. He expertly redirected it into the net as he fell to the ground, sending Al-Hilal's supporters into a frenzy.

The match was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the contest. Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for Manchester City just nine minutes into the game, putting them in the lead early. However, Al-Hilal responded quickly, with Leonardo finding the net in the 46th minute to level the score at 1-1.

In the second half, the Saudi side surged ahead with a goal from Malcom in the 52nd minute, but City's formidable striker Erling Haaland equalized just a few minutes later, restoring parity at 2-2. The tension escalated as the match approached its conclusion, with Kalidou Koulibaly putting Al-Hilal ahead 3-2 in the 94th minute, only for City’s Phil Foden, who was brought on as a substitute, to equalize again in the 104th minute.

The thrilling contest culminated in extra time, where both teams exhibited their resilience. Al-Hilal took the lead a third time, ultimately clinching the match after a nail-biting finish. Despite Manchester City's attempts to seize victory in the dying seconds of the match, which included a last-minute counterattack thwarted by a controversial challenge, the referees opted not to award a penalty, leading to an outburst from City coach Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola expressed his frustration post-match, stating, “It’s a pity. … Nothing to say. We’ll have to continue. I still have the feeling this team is doing well. We'll go home and have time to rest.” The defeat marks a significant upset for Manchester City, who had come into the tournament with high expectations.

With this victory, Al-Hilal advances to face Fluminense on July 4, vying for a coveted spot in the semifinals of the competition. This match not only highlights the unpredictability of football but also showcases the rising competitiveness of clubs from leagues beyond Europe.