The match delivered an electrifying spectacle for over 42,000 fans in attendance, with Al Hilal repeatedly seizing the lead in a tense back-and-forth battle. Kalidou Koulibaly’s strike in the 94th minute put the Saudi champions ahead 3–2 during the first period of extra time, only for City’s Phil Foden — who had just come on — to equalize ten minutes later.
But Al Hilal found the decisive breakthrough in the 112th minute. Marcos Leonardo, who had already scored earlier in the second half to level the match at 1–1, grabbed his second goal by capitalizing on a rebound. Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson parried a powerful header from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, but the ball spilled to Leonardo, who turned it in while falling near the post to seal the upset victory.
The result ended City’s Club World Cup campaign in the round of 16, dashing their hopes of adding another trophy to their collection. Despite goals from Bernardo Silva in the ninth minute and Erling Haaland in the 55th, as well as Foden’s late equalizer in extra time, the European champions were ultimately undone by defensive lapses and Al Hilal’s clinical finishing.
Al Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi praised his squad’s resilience and effort against one of world football’s most dominant teams. “We defeated a very, very strong team. That looked impossible yesterday,” Inzaghi said.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed disappointment but also sought perspective on the setback. “It’s a pity. … Nothing to say. We’ll have to continue. I still have the feeling this team is doing well. We’ll go home and have time to rest,” he told reporters after the match.
The game was not without controversy. In the dying seconds of regulation time, City surged forward on a counterattack but were stopped by a strong challenge inside the box. Appeals for a penalty were waved off by the referee, prompting Guardiola to storm onto the field in protest at the final whistle.
Al Hilal will now prepare to face Fluminense of Italy on July 4 at the same venue, with a place in the semifinals at stake. Fluminense advanced earlier on Monday by defeating Inter Milan, adding further intrigue to what has become a wide-open Club World Cup campaign.