Manchester City Out of Club World Cup
Manchester City out of Club World Cup after a thrilling 4-3 extra-time defeat to Saudi giants Al-Hilal in the round of 16. In one of the most dramatic encounters of the tournament so far, Pep Guardiola’s men saw their dreams shattered despite holding the lead and equalizing twice. Al-Hilal’s late resurgence, led by Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, sent the Saudi side into the quarter-finals where they will face Fluminense, leaving City to ponder what went wrong in Orlando.
Dramatic Extra-Time Collapse
The defining moment of the night came in the 112th minute. With the game deadlocked at 3-3 and extra time winding down, Renan Lodi delivered a dangerous cross from the left. Sergej Milinković-Savić’s header forced a reflex save from Ederson, but Marcos Leonardo was quickest to react. The Brazilian forward smashed home his second of the game to seal the win and ignite wild celebrations from Al-Hilal’s bench and fans. The image of Phil Foden, just eight minutes removed from a stunning equalizer, staring in disbelief summed up the mood in the Manchester City camp.
Manchester City out of Club World Cup after a grueling 120-minute battle that showcased everything from VAR controversy to strategic missteps. The extra-time period had already witnessed Kalidou Koulibaly’s towering header that put Al-Hilal ahead once again before Foden’s magical volley restored parity.
Foden’s Late Equalizer Not Enough Manchester City Out of Club World Cup
Phil Foden, introduced late into the match, marked his 100th goal for Manchester City in spectacular fashion. Rayan Cherki lobbed a pinpoint ball over the top of the defense, and Foden charged in to volley across goalkeeper Yassine Bounou from a tight angle. It was a piece of individual brilliance that momentarily revived City’s hopes. However, his late cameo could not prevent the final heartbreak, as Manchester City were out of Club World Cup after yet another lapse in concentration.
Guardiola later admitted he may have brought Foden on too late, especially considering his energy and ability to change the dynamic of the match instantly. Rodri, who came on in the 53rd minute, was also forced off due to an injury before extra time, compounding the tactical and personnel issues faced by the English champions.
Al-Hilal’s Historic Triumph
For Al-Hilal, this result was more than just a win—it was a statement. The Saudi Arabian powerhouse, managed by Simone Inzaghi, came into the game as underdogs but played with cohesion and belief. Inzaghi, just weeks into his tenure after leaving Inter Milan, set his team up with a five-man defensive system that absorbed pressure and hit City with devastating counterattacks.
Al-Hilal were without their captain Salem Al-Dawsari and star striker Aleksandar Mitrović, yet the replacements rose to the occasion. Mohamed Kanno’s early cross nearly set up a goal for Leonardo, who eventually redeemed himself with two crucial strikes.
Manchester City out of Club World Cup after a performance in which Al-Hilal exploited their defensive vulnerabilities. From breaking away on City’s own corner to capitalizing on set pieces, the Saudi side showed resilience and tactical awareness throughout.
Controversial Opener Sets the Stage
Manchester City took the lead early, but not without controversy. In the 9th minute, Rayan Ait-Nouri made a driving run down the left and whipped in a cross that led to a chaotic sequence. The ball ricocheted off multiple players—Ilkay Gundogan and possibly Ait-Nouri himself—before Bernardo Silva bundled it in off his shin. Al-Hilal players erupted in protest, claiming handball, and pointed to replays on the stadium screen. However, referee Jesús Valenzuela and VAR deemed the goal legal.
Despite leading 1-0 and dominating possession with a staggering 71.3%, City’s profligacy came back to haunt them. Missed chances by Savinho, Gundogan, Gvardiol, and Doku allowed Al-Hilal to stay in the game.
Second-Half Chaos and Al-Hilal’s Comeback
Just 44 seconds into the second half, Al-Hilal stunned City with an equalizer. João Cancelo broke past the high defensive line and delivered a low cross. Ederson blocked the initial shot from Malcolm, but Leonardo was there to convert the rebound.
Moments later, a City corner turned into a nightmare. Al-Hilal broke with blistering speed, and Ait-Nouri failed to track back as Malcolm sprinted through and slotted the ball past Ederson to make it 2-1.
Haaland responded almost immediately. A corner from Silva led to a scramble where the ball deflected off Koulibaly and Ake before the Norwegian star tapped in to make it 2-2. But Manchester City were out of Club World Cup after a sequence of events that saw them lose grip on the contest repeatedly.
Substitutions and Missed Opportunities
Guardiola had rotated his squad, leaving out key names like Foden, Rodri, and Cherki. Although stars such as Haaland, Gundogan, Silva, and Dias were present, the team struggled to maintain intensity. As the game wore on, City’s control waned. The decision to bring on Foden only in the final minutes of normal time remains a point of contention, especially given his impact.
Rodri’s brief appearance ended with him limping off, and City looked increasingly disjointed without their midfield anchor. The substitutions of Ake and Akanji also couldn’t stop the late flurry from Al-Hilal.
Financial and Sporting Blow
At stake for Manchester City was more than just a title shot. The match carried financial implications, with a £9.6 million win bonus and a chance to boost their Club World Cup earnings to £47.4 million. But Manchester City out of Club World Cup after losing composure and missing tactical marks that Guardiola is usually renowned for exploiting.
They now return to England without the trophy many had predicted them to win. Guardiola’s focus will shift to domestic and European fronts, but this early elimination raises questions about squad depth and decision-making under pressure.
Al-Hilal March On
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal advance to face Fluminense in the quarter-finals with confidence sky-high. Inzaghi’s decision to emphasize defensive organization and counters paid off handsomely. The team, even without key players, looked well-drilled and united. For a side recently bruised by a heavy loss to PSG in the Champions League, this victory marks a major turning point.
Manchester City out of Club World Cup after failing to adapt to Al-Hilal’s evolving game plan is not only a surprise but a warning to other top European sides. The balance of power in world football is shifting, and teams like Al-Hilal are making a strong case for recognition.
Conclusion
Manchester City out of Club World Cup after a breathtaking 120-minute clash that saw them succumb to a spirited and tactically superior Al-Hilal. Marcos Leonardo’s brace, coupled with City’s defensive fragility and questionable substitutions, sealed their fate in a tournament they were expected to dominate.
The Saudi club’s remarkable resilience, despite missing key players, and the tactical genius of Simone Inzaghi brought one of the tournament’s greatest upsets. As City regroup, the headlines belong to Al-Hilal—worthy winners who outplayed the English champions on the biggest of stages. this is all about Manchester City Out of Club World Cup
