Al Hilal Stun Man City 4–3 in Club World Cup Upset

In a night of high drama and unexpected twists, Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal shocked European powerhouse Manchester City with a dramatic 4–3 extra-time victory at the Club World Cup on Monday a result that sent shockwaves through the footballing world.

With the match tied 2–2 at full time, it was Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo who sealed the upset in extra time, grabbing his second goal of the night and one of the most significant wins ever by a Middle Eastern club. The result sends Al Hilal into the quarter-finals, where they will face South American champions Fluminense — guaranteeing a non-European team will reach the last four.

City drew first blood in the 9th minute through Bernardo Silva after a cross from Rayan Ait-Nouri, a goal that sparked controversy as Al Hilal players protested what they believed was a handball in the build-up. However, the goal stood, and the Premier League champions looked in control early on.

Despite creating several chances to extend their lead, City were repeatedly denied by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, whose sharp reflexes and positioning frustrated efforts from Doku, Bernardo, and Haaland.

Al Hilal began to grow into the game and struck back just after halftime. Former City defender Joao Cancelo set up the first equalizer, as Marcos Leonardo headed home after a scrappy defensive sequence. Just six minutes later, Malcolm punished City again, breaking their high line and coolly finishing past Ederson to give Al Hilal a 2–1 lead.

Pep Guardiola responded with a flurry of substitutions to regain control. City eventually found a way through again as Erling Haaland capitalized on a loose ball from a corner to level the match at 2–2.

With the score tied at the end of regulation, both sides pushed for a winner in extra time. Kalidou Koulibaly restored Al Hilal’s lead with a towering header from a Ruben Neves corner, only for Phil Foden to answer back with a moment of brilliance — sliding in at full stretch to convert a pinpoint ball from Rayan Cherki.

But the final word belonged to Al Hilal. Milinkovic-Savic’s header forced a save from Ederson, but Leonardo reacted quickest to tap in the rebound and secure a famous 4–3 win.

The goal was especially emotional for the young striker. "My mother was in ICU for 70 days. She’s okay now, thank God. I scored those goals thinking of her," said Leonardo, visibly moved.

Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva admitted his side were caught out too often on the break. “We allowed them to run too easily. We scored three and could’ve had six, but every time we lost the ball, they looked dangerous,” he told reporters after the match.

The result marks one of the biggest upsets in Club World Cup history and a significant moment for Saudi football as Al Hilal continues its quest to become the first Asian side to win the tournament.