English side, Manchester City, who are regining Kings, have been knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 after suffering a 3-4 defeat in the hands of Saudi Professional League club, Al Hilal, in the round of 16 match on Tuesday 1 July, 2025 at Camping World Stadium in Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens had scaled through the group stages without tasting defeat, however, failed to reach the last eight (8) after conceding four times in a disorganized defensive display.
The Premier League side opened scoring early, in the 9th minute, through Bernardo Silva, after converting Ilkay Gundogan’s assist, but, Simone Inzaghi’s side levelled through Marcos Leonardo just in the 1st minute of the second half.
Bono, Al Hilal goalkeeper, made very crucial saves to deny Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan from close range, before showing quick reflexes to tip the header by Josko Gvardiol over the crossbar.
Al Hilal then took the lead in the 52nd minute when former Barcelona player, Malcolm, added the second; three (3) minute later, Erling Haaland equalized for Manchester City.
In a very beautifully entertaining clash, with time running out, Senagaless defender, Kalidou Koulibaly, made it three for the Saudi giants in the 94th minute.
The Cityzens came level through Phil Foden in the 104th minute, but, Al Hilal eventually emerged victorious after M. Leonardo netted the winner in the 112th minute.
The Saudi side held on till the end and made it to the quarter finals of the tournament.
Al Hilal will now play against Fluminense, who stunned Inter with a 2-0 victory on Monday, in the last eight (8) in Orlando.
This is a result that echoes around football, as an highly determined Arab side aiming to challenge the elite knocked out a Premier League giant on the world stage; Manchester City went in front and failed to take their chances in the first 45 minutes and then trailed for the first time in the tournament.
Prior to the match, Al Hilal newly appointed manager, Simone Inzaghi, said, his side will get “prepared in the best possible way”.
