Match Highlights:
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Matheus Martinelli opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a stunning left‑foot strike into the top corner, putting Fluminense ahead.
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Marcos Leonardo, nodding home from a Kalidou Koulibaly assist, leveled for Al‑Hilal six minutes into the second half.
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Hércules, a super‑sub, restored Fluminense’s lead in the 70th minute, coolly finishing after a long-range effort was parried.
Defensive Resilience & Tactical Edge
Despite Al‑Hilal dominating possession late on, Fluminense's defence—anchored by veteran Thiago Silva and 44‑year‑old keeper Fábio—held firm, making crucial clearances and surviving pressure. A VAR-overturned penalty early in the second half also proved pivotal.
Emotional Undercurrents
The game began with a minute’s silence in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother, with Al‑Hilal players Rúben Neves and João Cancelo visibly in tears during the tribute.
The Bigger Picture
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Fluminense, under Renato Gaúcho, continue their fairy‑tale run, having already beaten Inter Milan in the Round of 16 and defying the odds again.
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Al‑Hilal had earlier pulled off a seismic upset by eliminating Manchester City, but fell just short on their quest to become the first Asian side in the semis.
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The Brazilian side now await the winner of Chelsea vs Palmeiras, with hopes of an all‑Brazilian semi-final looming.
Expect fireworks on July 8, when Fluminense meet either Chelsea or Palmeiras for a spot in the final.
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