Manchester City and Pep Guardiola shocked by Al-Hilal in round of 16

In a stunning upset at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in Orlando, Manchester City bowed out in the Round of 16 after a heartbreaking 3-4 extra-time loss to Saudi champions Al-Hilal. A tremendous battle occured at Camping World Stadium, one that makes you think if this format should've been established before in the competition. One may ask if 'Pep' Guardiola's side deserved to be eliminated like this, just as there was wondering for Lionel Messi's exit, but that's another story.

This result not only deflates the early-season optimism the sky blues had for next season, with all the recent new signings the club has made, but it also raises general concerns toward the sport. Player welfare and fixture congestion has been a broadly talked theme among the soccer world, regarding if it's the best decision for athletes to have limited resting periods with all the tournaments in a campaign.

Manchester City vs Al-Hilal, the best match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

City took a promising early lead when Bernardo Silva struck in the 9th minute and tha game went into halftime with Al-Hilal showing some flashes of competition against the English club. Just as the second half started, the Saudis smashed their rivals with two quick goals within six minutes and took control of the score. The Citizens put things in order after a shocking start for the second 45 minutes and tied the game with Erling Haaland netting a loose ball in the small area.

The game ended 2-2 after the 90 minutes and extra-time was needed to decide who advanced to the quarterfinals. Al-Hilal's defender, Kalidou Koulibaly, recovered the lead with a header after a corner kick, until Phil Foden restored parity, marking his 100th goal with the club. Al-Hilal was fierce and organized in defense, being able to create offensive counter-attacks that created danger in City's goal. Finally, Marcos Leonardo scored after a brilliant Ederson save; the surprise was completed.

Manchester City and Al-Hilal's contrasting conexts

'Pep' Guardiola had warned in early press conferences that the tournament's expanded format could "destroy" City's season, signaling the streak of condensed matches and limited rest. Experts all aroung the world anticipated the Manchester squad to cruise throught their rivals, especially after coming out in first place of their group with a dominant 5-2 win over Juventus. The loss kind of validates what 'Pep' was talking about, but Al-Hilal are just riding high.

The result is a tremendous achievement for the Saudi Arabian club. Being able to secure a tie with group rivals Real Madrid and defeating City in a win-or-go home match speaks volumes of the team's rapid rise. Backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Al-Hilal has assembled a star-studded squad, including the mentioned Koulibaly, Malcom, Leonardo, Rubén Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Now with former Inter Milan manager, Simone Inzaghi taking the reins, there is evidence of growing legitimacy as a global heavyweight.

What's next for Al-Hilal?

Now the Saudi Arabians will face another team that eliminated an european giant, the brazilian side Fluminense. An opportunity for two teams that weren't considerated for a long run in the torunament to secure a spot in the semifinals.