Al-Hilal Stuns Champions in 4-3 Thriller as Pep Rues Missed Chances
A stunned Pep Guardiola was already thinking about the future after Manchester City suffered a dramatic 4-3 extra-time defeat to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, crashing out of the Club World Cup in the last 16.
In a pulsating match at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, City took an early lead through Bernardo Silva but were repeatedly punished on the counterattack as Al-Hilal fought back twice before sealing a historic win in extra time.
Despite Erling Haaland and Phil Foden rescuing City with crucial goals, defensive lapses proved costly. Kalidou Koulibaly’s header and Marcos Leonardo’s 112th-minute winner—his second of the night—completed a stunning upset for Saudi football’s rising force.
“We Were Too Open” – Guardiola’s Frustration
The City boss admitted his side lacked sharpness in both boxes, with Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making several key saves.
“It’s a pity,” Guardiola said. “We created chances but couldn’t finish them. They defended deep, their wingers were rapid, and we were too open in transitions. We had the feeling we could go through, but they punished us.”
Despite the disappointment, the Spaniard praised his players’ efforts over a grueling campaign and shifted focus to next season: “We’ve been on an incredible journey. Now it’s time to rest and reset.”
“We Climbed Everest Without Oxygen” – Al-Hilal’s Triumph
Al-Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi hailed his team’s heart after toppling the European champions. “We knew we had to do something extraordinary,” he said. “Guardiola is the best coach in the world, but tonight, we deserved this.”
The result marks another milestone for Saudi football’s growing influence, with Al-Hilal advancing to face Fluminense in the quarterfinals. For City, it’s an abrupt end to their quest for global glory—and a reminder that even the best can be caught cold.
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