Salem Al-Dawsari’s Brilliance Secures 2-0 Victory, Setting Up Blockbuster Clash Against Manchester City
Al Hilal booked their place in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Pachuca at Geodis Park, thanks to a first-half strike from Salem Al-Dawsari and a late clincher from Marcos Leonardo.
The Saudi giants, runners-up in 2022, controlled the match from the outset against a Pachuca side already eliminated from the tournament. An early Sergej Milinković-Savić thunderbolt was controversially ruled out for a foul, but Al Hilal didn’t have to wait long for their opener. In the 22nd minute, Nasser Al-Dawsari sliced open the defense with a perfect through ball, allowing Salem Al-Dawsari—fresh off a sensational 30-goal contribution season in the Saudi Pro League—to delicately chip the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
Marcos Leonardo should have doubled the lead before halftime but sent a free header over the bar, leaving Pachuca with a glimmer of hope. The Mexican side briefly threatened after the break, with Salomón Rondón forcing a sharp save from Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who continued his fine form after a heroic penalty save against Real Madrid earlier in the tournament.
Despite Pachuca’s late push, Al Hilal remained in control, and Leonardo redeemed himself in stoppage time with a composed finish, rounding the keeper after a perfectly timed run onto Rúben Neves’ through ball.
The win sets up a tantalizing quarter-final showdown with reigning champions Manchester City on Saturday, with the winner advancing to face either Inter Milan or Fluminense. For Pachuca, the tournament ends in disappointment, as they exit without a single point.
Al Hilal’s blend of experience and flair makes them a dangerous opponent, and their clash with Pep Guardiola’s City promises to be one of the highlights of the competition.
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