Defending champions Manchester City have been crashed out of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the last-16 stage after an extraordinary 4-3 extra-time defeat to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal.
In a contest full of drama, goals, and world-class moments, it was 22-year-old Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo who delivered the decisive blow; scoring twice, including the winner in the 112th minute to knock Pep Guardiola’s side out of the competition in stunning fashion.
Despite dominating the group stage with ease, City’s hopes of retaining their Club World Cup title were dashed in Orlando by a spirited Al-Hilal side who exposed uncharacteristic frailties in City’s defence.
City had made their trademark fast start, scoring in the opening 10 minutes for the fourth consecutive match in the competition. Bernardo Silva pounced from close range after a scramble in the Al-Hilal box, capitalising on poor defensive clearance.
However, the goal was surrounded by controversy, as replays suggested Rayan Ait-Nouri handled the ball in the build-up; a decision that left the Al-Hilal players and coaching staff furious but was ultimately upheld.
Bono Masterclass
The Premier League giants could have extended their lead before the break, but Moroccan goalkeeper Bono made superb saves to deny Savinho, Ilkay Gundogan, and Josko Gvardiol.
The former Sevilla and Girona shot-stopper, who famously helped Morocco reach the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, was in inspired form once again, registering 10 saves over the course of the match.
Despite struggling to create chances in the first half, Al-Hilal came roaring back immediately after the restart. Less than a minute into the second half, Marcos Leonardo ghosted in at the back post to head home the equaliser, shifting the momentum decisively.
Minutes later, former Barcelona winger Malcom Broke clear of City’s defence and slotted home with composure to give Al-Hilal a 2-1 lead.
City responded almost immediately. Erling Haaland, largely quiet in the first half, poked home from a corner in the 55th minute to restore parity.
City came closest to winning it in normal time when Manuel Akanji struck the post with a flicked header and Haaland’s rebound was heroically cleared off the line by Ali Lajami.
With the score locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes, the match headed into extra time. Kalidou Koulibaly, formerly of Chelsea, powered in a header in the 94th minute to send Al-Hilal fans into raptures.
Yet, City showed their resilience. Substitute Phil Foden levelled again with a stunning volley from a tight angle just minutes later, making it 3-3.
But it was Marcos Leonardo who had the final say. In the 112th minute, he arrived at the back post to convert a low cross and seal a historic victory for Al-Hilal.
Joao Cancelo, on loan from Barcelona but formerly of City, played a key role against his old teammates, contributing to the build-up of two Al-Hilal goals.
Al-Hilal now turn their focus to a quarter-final showdown with Brazilian outfit Fluminense in Orlando on Friday. The winner of that match will progress to the semi-finals in New York/New Jersey, where they will face either Chelsea or Palmeiras.
READ ALSO: President Mahama Charged to Ruthlessly Tackle Corruption, Galamsey
