Al‑Hilal Stuns Manchester City in Extra Time Thriller (4–3)

In one of the most electrifying matches of the FIFA Club World Cup, Al‑Hilal survived a dramatic 4–3 win over Premier League Giants and Club World Cup champions Manchester City in the round of 16.

• Bernardo Silva put Manchester City ahead early in the 9th minute, though replays sparked debate over a potential handball in the buildup.

• Marcos Leonardo and Malcom struck back swiftly after the half (46′ and 52′), but Erling Haaland equalized in the 55′ to make it 2–2.

• Extra time saw Kalidou Koulibaly head Al‑Hilal in front (94′), Phil Foden responded (104′), and Leonardo smashed home the winner in the 112th minute.

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Heroic Performances & Tactical Brilliance

• Marcos Leonardo sealed the win with his decisive extra-time brace.

• Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was a wall in goal, thwarting multiple City chances in the first half.

• Simone Inzaghi, Al‑Hilal’s coach, hailed the win as akin to "climbing Mount Everest without oxygen," praising his side’s resolve and discipline.

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City’s Wasted Opportunities

Pep Guardiola lamented missed chances and a lack of clinical finishing, revealing that his players dominated play but couldn’t "be clinical" when it mattered.

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What’s Next?

• Al‑Hilal advances to the quarter-finals to face Fluminense, fresh off knocking out Inter Milan.

• Manchester City returns to England with their Club World Cup defence now over — a humbling setback before next season.

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In a true David vs. Goliath clash, Al‑Hilal dismantled expectations with courage, tactical smarts, and killer instinct. This win not only underlines the increasing competitiveness of non-European clubs but also marks one of the biggest shocks in Club World Cup history.