Saudi Pro League heavyweights Al Hilal stunned the football world with an unforgettable 4-3 triumph over reigning European champions Manchester City after extra time in an electrifying FIFA Club World Cup round-of-16 encounter.
The match began with Manchester City asserting early dominance, as Bernardo Silva opened the scoring, showcasing their trademark fluid attacking play. However, Al Hilal, undeterred by the early setback, launched relentless counter-attacks that caught City’s defense off guard multiple times.
Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo sparked the comeback by netting a clinical finish, and former Barcelona winger Malcom added another, sending Al Hilal fans into a frenzy. Manchester City responded through Erling Haaland, who powered in a thunderous equalizer to force extra time after a tense 90 minutes.
In extra time, Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly gave Al Hilal the lead once again with a towering header, only for Phil Foden to level the score with a composed strike moments later, keeping City's hopes alive.
However, in the 112th minute, Leonardo completed his brace after capitalizing on a costly defensive error, securing Al Hilal's place in the quarter-finals and sending Pep Guardiola’s star-studded side crashing out of the tournament in dramatic fashion.
This shocking defeat marks Manchester City's earliest exit from an international tournament under Guardiola and highlights the growing strength of clubs from the Saudi Pro League on the world stage. Al Hilal will now face Brazilian giants Fluminense in the quarter-finals, who themselves upset Inter Milan in another stunning result.