Manchester City have been knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, following a thrilling 4-3 defeat in the round of 16.
City took an early lead through Bernardo Silva, who scored from close range in the 9th minute. However, Marcos Leonardo leveled the match with a header in the 46th minute. Just six minutes later, Al Hilal launched a swift counterattack that saw Malcom go on a solo run before calmly finishing to give the Saudi side the lead.
Under mounting pressure, Erling Haaland equalized for City in the 55th minute with a close-range tap-in from a corner, sending the match into extra time.
Despite several chances for City, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou delivered a standout performance, pulling off key saves to keep Al Hilal in the contest.
In extra time, Kalidou Koulibaly restored Al Hilal’s advantage with a goal in the 94th minute, only for Phil Foden to equalize again in the 104th minute. Leonardo then sealed the win in the 112th minute with a decisive close-range finish.
Inzaghi and Guardiola’s reactions
Simone Inzaghi’s side will now return to Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Friday to face Fluminense FC in the semi-finals.
“The key to this result was the players, and the heart they put on the pitch tonight. We had to do something extraordinary because we all know Manchester City, that team,” Inzaghi said after the match. “We had to climb Mount Everest without oxygen and we made it. All the players were exceptional in everything, in the possession phase, the non-possession phase.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted his disappointment with the result. “We would have loved to have continued; it is only here every four years. We had a feeling that the team is doing well, but now we go home, and it is time to rest [physically] and rest our minds for the new season.”
He added: “I felt we were happy here; the training sessions have been really good. [But] Al-Hilal has a lot of quality. They are a complete team that can run and run – I have a big opinion of them but we [still] did a good game.”
READ MORE: Ex-Chipolopolo defender Francis Kasonde Lands Coaching Job at English Club
