Al Hilal Stun City

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal have sent English giants Manchester City crashing out of the Club World Cup, snatching a shock 4-3 win in extra time in the biggest upset of the tournament so far.

The match finished 2-2 at full-time on Monday, but at the end of an eventful extra-time, Marcos Leonardo grabbed the winner and pulled off one of the greatest wins in Middle Eastern football history.

Next Stop: Brazilian Challenge

The Saudi club now advance to the quarterfinals on Friday, where they will face Brazilian club Fluminense, meaning a non-European team will reach the last four.

Match Drama Unfolds Rapidly

Man City had taken the lead early through Bernardo Silva, though Al Hilal players protested what they believed was a handball in the build-up.

City dominated much of the first half but failed to convert their chances, repeatedly denied by Al Hilal’s standout goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The tide turned after the break. Marcos Leonardo equalized after a scrappy rebound, and minutes later Malcolm broke through City’s high line to give Al Hilal a 2-1 lead.

City responded with a triple substitution and soon equalized through Haaland. But extra time told a different story. Koulibaly powered home a header for 3-2, Foden briefly brought City level again with a superb finish, and then Leonardo bundled in the decisive goal.

Despite City’s late pressure, Al Hilal held on, with last-ditch clearances and vital saves sealing the win.

Emotional Moment for Leonardo

After the match, a tearful Marcos Leonardo dedicated the win to his mother, who had recently recovered from a long stay in the ICU. “When I scored those two goals, I thought of her. She was able to watch the match,” he said.

City Left to Reflect

City captain Bernardo Silva admitted the team couldn’t handle Al Hilal’s quick transitions.

“With one, two passes, there was always a feeling of danger… When we allow teams to run like this, we always suffer a lot.”