At 6:30 AM IST on July 1, 2025, football fans in India and across Asia awoke to one of the most astonishing upsets in recent memory. In the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup held at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, Al Hilal SFC—the powerhouse from Riyadh—shocked reigning European giants Manchester City, winning 4–3 after extra time. The dramatic showdown, which unfurled over 120 riveting minutes on June 30 (local time), will be remembered as a watershed moment for Middle Eastern club football.
First Blood & Controversy
Manchester City drew first blood early in the ninth minute. A cross from Rayan Aït‑Nouri deflected through a melee and reached Bernardo Silva, who calmly slotted home to make it 1–0. The goal sparked debate, however, as replays indicated a possible handball by Aït‑Nouri leading up to Silva’s strike. Al Hilal appealed fervently to the referee, but the goal stood.
City continued to dominate in the first half, with high possession percentages and numerous chances. Yet Al Hilal’s backbone—goalkeeper Yassine Bounou—kept them in contention, pulling off key saves to deny further City scoring opportunities.
Al Hilal Roars Back: Second‐Half Blitz
The second half witnessed a transformation. Within 42 seconds of kickoff, the Saudi side struck back. A rebound off Ederson’s parry fell to Marcos Leonardo, who headed home to equalize (1–1).
Just six minutes later, Joāo Cancelo—formerly of City—delivered a pinpoint long ball to Malcom, who outpaced City’s defence and slotted the ball beyond Ederson, putting Al Hilal ahead (2–1).
However, City retaliated swiftly. In the 55th minute, Erling Haaland capitalized on a corner scramble to level the score (2–2). Despite Al Hilal’s spirited defense, regulation time ended locked at two apiece. reuters.com
Extra‐Time Eruptions: A Flurry of Goals
In extra time, Al Hilal struck first once more. In the 94th minute, Kalidou Koulibaly rose powerfully to head Ruben Neves’ corner into the net (3–2).
Ten minutes later, City’s substitute Phil Foden responded with an exquisite volley off a Rayan Cherki assist, restoring parity (3–3). The pendulum of momentum swung once again.
Then, in the 112th minute, Marcos Leonardo—who had already scored earlier—seized his second of the night. When Ederson saved a header from Milinković‑Savić, the rebound fell kindly to Leonardo, who knocked it in to complete his brace and spark jubilant scenes across the pitch.
The Heroes of the Night
- Marcos Leonardo emerged as the unlikely hero, scoring twice—first to ignite Al Hilal’s comeback and then to seal the triumph in extra time.
- Malcom provided that crucial second goal, opening the floodgates for his club’s resurgence.
- Kalidou Koulibaly, the defensive anchor, delivered an epic header to restore the lead early in extra time.
- Yassine Bounou was the goalkeeper of the tournament: his string of ten saves (as per AFP reporting) kept Al Hilal within reach deep into the contest.
Tactical Twist: Inzaghi’s Masterstroke
Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal’s newly appointed Italian coach, orchestrated a balanced and fearless tactical display. With a squad enriched by marquee players—Neves, Milinković‑Savić, Koulibaly, Bounou—thanks to strategic investment from the Public Investment Fund since 2023, Inzaghi had the tools at hand. He described the upset as akin to “climbing Mount Everest without oxygen,” praising his team’s organization in both possession and defence, and acknowledging Pep Guardiola of City as “the best coach in the world.” reuters.com
Global Ripple Effect: A Statement for Saudi Football
This result marks one of the biggest upsets in Club World Cup history, reverberating well beyond Orlando. For Saudi and Middle Eastern football, it’s a statement to the world: this is not a phase or flash in the pan; it’s a seismic shift. Observers note that the Saudi Pro League, fuelled by high-profile transfers, is rapidly gaining legitimacy on the global stage.
For Manchester City, who recently secured their maiden Club World Cup in 2023, the defeat is humbling—and a reminder that supremacy is never guaranteed.
What Lies Ahead: Brazil’s Fluminense Next
Al Hilal now gears up to face Brazil’s Fluminense in the quarterfinals, scheduled for July 4, 2025, in Orlando. Fluminense, hot off a 2–0 win over Inter Milan (earlier on July 1), stands as another formidable test—and another opportunity for Al Hilal to assert their rise.
Final Take: A New Era for Club Football
Al Hilal’s 4–3 extra‑time triumph over Manchester City on June 30, 2025 (1 July IST) isn’t just a match—it’s a milestone. It’s proof that investment, vision, and ambition—when combined with astute strategy and unwavering heart—can topple even the mightiest.
For fans, it’s a reminder: in football, David still slays Goliath.
As Al Hilal now chase their Club World Cup dream, the football world watches—awed, excited, and eager to see who dares challenge next.
Key Match Timeline
| Time (local / IST) | Event |
| June 30, 2025 / June 30 6:00 PM (ET) | Bernardo Silva (Man City) – controversial 9′ opener, 1–0 |
| June 30, 2025 / June 30 ~6:43 PM | Marcos Leonardo equalizes 1–1 |
| June 30, 2025 / June 30 ~6:49 PM | Malcom gives Al Hilal 2–1 lead |
| June 30, 2025 / June 30 ~6:55 PM | Erling Haaland levels 2–2 |
| June 30, 2025 / July 1 12:04 AM | Koulibaly header makes it 3–2 in extra time |
| July 1, 2025 12:14 AM (ET) | Phil Foden equalizes 3–3 |
| July 1, 2025 12:22 AM | Marcos Leonardo seals win at 112′; Al Hilal wins 4–3 |
Al Hilal’s victory isn’t just a game won—it’s a statement. A Saudi powerhouse rising on the global stage. Let’s see how the quarterfinals unfold, but one thing is clear: Club World Cup 2025 just got a lot more interesting.
Sourashis Chanda brings readers their unique perspective on Business, Economy, Health and Fitness. With a background in Health and Physical Fitness of 2years, I am dedicated to exploring [what they aim to achieve with their writing, on the sustainable Economy of the country, various pro tips about business, latest goverment news, with some tips in health are and Fitness.
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
