Historic Upset
On June 30, 2025, Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal delivered a stunning 4-3 victory over Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida. Marcos Leonardo’s brace, including the match-winner in the 87th minute, sent the Premier League giants out, marking one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history. Al-Hilal, despite missing key players Salem Al-Dawsari and Aleksandar Mitrovic due to injuries, overcame City’s 67% possession and 2.8 xG with a clinical display (4 goals from 1.9 xG).
Marcos Leonardo’s Emotional Heroics
Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, 22, was the star, scoring twice and dedicating his performance to his mother, who spent 70 days in ICU recovering from a serious illness. “When I scored, I thought of her. She’s fine now, thank God,” Leonardo said post-match. His goals, including a curling 20-yard strike and a late tap-in, outshone City’s Erling Haaland (1 goal, 3 shots on target). Leonardo’s 12 goals in 18 Saudi Pro League games in 2024/25 highlight his rising stock, boosting his €15m valuation.
Inzaghi’s Tactical Triumph
Al-Hilal’s head coach Simone Inzaghi, who joined from Inter Milan in May 2025 after a 5-0 Champions League final loss to PSG, described the win as “climbing Mount Everest without oxygen.” “The players’ heart and determination were key. We knew City’s quality, but we fought for every ball,” he said. Al-Hilal’s 3-4-3 formation, led by Ruben Neves (1 goal, 92% pass accuracy) and Joao Cancelo (1 assist), neutralized City’s attack, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making 5 saves. Inzaghi’s tactics exploited City’s high line, despite absences, earning praise from Dazn’s Andros Townsend: “Al-Hilal have shocked the world.”
City’s Worrying Signs
Manchester City, despite goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Haaland, and Oscar Bobb, exposed defensive frailties (1.7 xGA per game in 2024/25) and struggled with finishing (14 shots, 7 on target). Pep Guardiola admitted post-match, “We lacked sharpness in the box. Al-Hilal punished us.” City’s elimination, after a trophyless 2024/25 season, raises concerns about their aging squad, with John Stones and Kyle Walker (both 35) struggling against Al-Hilal’s pace. Fans on X noted City’s “worrying decline,” with some calling for a rebuild before their Premier League opener against Wolves on August 16.
Road Ahead
Al-Hilal advance to the Club World Cup semi-finals on July 3, facing either Chelsea or Palmeiras, with a potential final against PSG or Juventus. Leonardo’s form and Inzaghi’s momentum position Al-Hilal as contenders for the $125m prize. For City, the loss fuels scrutiny on their transfer strategy, with rumors of targeting Lille’s Lucas Chevalier and Porto’s Diego Costa. Al-Hilal’s fans celebrated wildly, seeing the win as a milestone for Saudi football, while City must regroup for pre-season friendlies in the US starting July 26, aiming to reclaim their Premier League dominance.
