Defending champions Manchester City have been sensationally knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup at the last-16 stage after a 4-3 extra-time defeat to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal.
In a contest packed with drama, goals, and controversy, Pep Guardiola’s men were stunned despite taking an early lead through Bernardo Silva.
City were caught cold in extra time by a decisive strike from Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo, who netted his second of the match to seal a famous victory.
The English champions had breezed through the group stage but were undone by a combination of clinical finishing, last-ditch defending, and an inspired performance from Morocco’s World Cup hero, Yassine Bounou (Bono), who made 10 saves.
Dejected Manchester City players. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Silva opened the scoring after just seven minutes, capitalising on a defensive mix-up, though Al-Hilal protested the build-up for an apparent handball by Rayan Ait-Nouri.
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Bono then thwarted City with a string of crucial stops to deny Savinho, Ilkay Gundogan, and Josko Gvardiol. But just seconds after the restart, Leonardo headed in the equaliser, sending shockwaves through the Orlando crowd.
Al-Hilal turned the tie on its head when ex-Barcelona winger Malcom finished coolly in the 52nd minute. However, Erling Haaland struck back almost instantly for City, pouncing on a loose ball from a corner.
City looked set to reclaim control as Akanji hit the post and Haaland’s rebound was miraculously cleared off the line by Ali Lajami.
In extra time, Kalidou Koulibaly seemed to have won it with a towering header, only for Phil Foden to level things up again with a precise volley.
Kalidou Koulibaly celebrating his goal against Manchester City. Photo Credit: Getty Images
But Leonardo had the final say, slotting home from close range in the 112th minute to seal a monumental result for the 2021 Asian champions — and deny Manchester City a shot at retaining their title.
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City’s elimination means Al-Hilal now advance to face Brazilian side Fluminense in the quarter-finals, after the Copa Libertadores holders stunned Inter Milan 2-0.
Thiago Silva celebrating Fluminense victory. Photo Credit: Getty Images
German Cano and Hercules were on target for the South Americans, who now head into a blockbuster tie against the Saudi giants.
The winner of that encounter will face either Chelsea or Palmeiras in the semi-finals, with the Club World Cup now wide open following the exit of the reigning champions.
