Al Hilal 'climb Everest' - Reaction to that epic Manchester City win | OneFootball

Many international media declared on Tuesday that Al Hilal had “shocked the world” with their incredible FIFA Club World Cup victory against Manchester City in the United States.

However, observers of the Roshn Saudi League, and Asian football more generally, know what the record continental champions are capable of.

Still, the dramatic 4-3 win in extra-time underlined not only Al Hilal’s amazing ability. It also emphasised the growth of football in the Kingdom, as the Riyadh club went toe-to-toe with a European heavyweight and landed the knockout blow.

So, as Al Hilal secured the headlines and a berth in the Club World Cup quarter-finals against Brazil's Fluminense, here’s some of the reaction from those involved in Orlando - in what surely ranks as one of the greatest club nights in Saudi football history.

Simone Inzaghi (the winning manager)

"The key to this result are the players, the heart they put on the pitch. Tonight, we had to do something extraordinary because we knew how good Manchester City are. We knew we had to climb Mount Everest without oxygen - and we were great.

"We played with a strong determination, and we are really feeling the game. They deserved it. They fought for every ball, and it gives satisfaction to the family of Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia and the fans here with us."

Al Hilal centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly scores v Manchester City at FIFA Club World Cup

Kalidou Koulibaly (scorer of Al Hilal’s third)

“We knew that it would be a difficult game against one of the best teams in the world and we wanted to show our ideas, our talents and our power.

"We made a very good game; we took our chances so we can be happy. We wanted to show that Al Hilal have the power and the talent to be here, and we showed a great mentality.”

"I've had a difficult time in the last two months. My mother spent 70 days in the ICU [Intensive Care Unit]. Today she's fine, thank God. When I scored those two goals, I thought of her; she was able to watch the match.

"We have to think about our families - people who want the best for us. If they weren't watching, I wouldn't be here today."

Al Hilal celebrate with Marcos Leonardo v Manchester City at FIFA Club World Cup

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (the standout midfielder)

"They criticised us a lot for coming to the Saudi league. But now the results speak for themselves – no need for words.

"We show against Real Madrid, [Red Bull] Salzburg, [FC] Pachuca and tonight. I hope we will continue to show it. Once again, we’ve proven that the Saudi league is strong and deserves respect."