Al-Hilal Defeats Manchester City 4-3 in Club World Cup Extra Time

Al-Hilal shocked Manchester City with a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup, a result likened by their coach Simone Inzaghi to "climbing Mount Everest without oxygen." Marcos Leonardo scored the decisive goal in the 112th minute, securing Al-Hilal's unexpected place in the quarter-finals against Fluminense. Inzaghi praised his players for their extraordinary effort, technical skill, and heart, acknowledging the challenge of facing Pep Guardiola's highly regarded Manchester City side. Guardiola expressed disappointment but thanked his players for their efforts during a tough, closely contested match. Al-Hilal, heavily backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund with significant investment in star players, demonstrated strong organization and resilience against a dominant and aggressive City team. The victory marked a significant upset as Manchester City, favorites for the tournament, were eliminated early despite recent squad reinforcements and strong group-stage performances.