Al Hilal into FIFA Club World Cup quarters after downing Manchester City in thriller | OneFootball

Roshn Saudi League side Al Hilal have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, defeating European heavyweights Manchester City in a classic clash in Orlando on Tuesday.

The 2023-24 RSL champions saw off their illustrious rivals 4-3 after extra-time, with Marcos Leonardo’s second of the game at Camping World Stadium sealing a famous victory for the Saudi Arabian giants.

Al Hilal, who opened their Club World Cup account with a brilliant performance against Real Madrid, will now take on Brazil’s Fluminense in the last eight at the same venue on Friday.

However, Simone Inzaghi’s men should be allowed to enjoy the historic result in Orlando, where they rebounded from Bernando Silva’s ninth-minute opener to completely turn the game on its head in a blitz right after half-time.

First, Leonardo drew Al Hilal level with a headed rebound, before Joao Cancelo set Malcom free with a delicious through-ball for the Brazilian to race clear and finish expertly past compatriot Ederson in the City goal.

The lead lasted only three minutes, though, Erling Haaland bundling home from Silva’s corner. Remarkably, Al Hilal were back in front early into extra-time, when defender Kalidou Koulibaly rose highest to meet Ruben Neves’ corner to head into the City net.

Yet, right before the first half of the additional period concluded, City substitute Phil Foden drifted into Al Hilal’s penalty area to finish deftly past Yassine Bono at the back post.

Not to be deterred, Al Hilal then clinched the victory eight minutes from time. This time, a counter-attack ended with Ederson saving from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, leaving Leonardo to prod home the winner.

Al Hilal celebrated wildly after the final whistle and once progression was confirmed – as well they might. Because the RSL representatives, still undefeated in the United States, had a memorable triumph that sent shock waves around the world.