In a dramatic and high-octane encounter, Al Hilal pulled off a stunning upset against Manchester City, securing a 4-3 victory in extra time during the Club World Cup Round of 16. The match, held in Orlando, will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in the tournament's history.
Manchester City took an early lead through Bernardo Silva in the 9th minute, but the game exploded into life in the second half. Marcos Leonardo leveled the score for Al Hilal just after halftime, followed by a quickfire goal from Malcom to put the Saudi Arabian side ahead. Erling Haaland equalized for City in the 55th minute, sending the match into extra time.
Kalidou Koulibaly's header gave Al Hilal the lead once more, only for Phil Foden to bring City back into contention with a well-taken goal. However, it was Marcos Leonardo who became the hero, scoring his second of the night in the 112th minute after Ederson's initial save denied Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Leonardo's decisive strike sealed Al Hilal's historic victory and sent them through to face Fluminense in the quarter-finals.
The result marked a significant milestone, as it was Pep Guardiola's first-ever defeat in the Club World Cup. Despite dominating in most attacking statistics, Manchester City were unable to overcome Al Hilal's resilience and clinical finishing.
Marcos Leonardo's performance was particularly noteworthy, as the 22-year-old Brazilian showcased his tireless energy and sharp instincts throughout the match. His contributions were pivotal in Al Hilal's triumph, earning him widespread acclaim.
This match not only provided fans with unforgettable drama but also ensured that a non-UEFA team would reach the semi-finals, adding an exciting twist to the tournament's narrative.
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