Can Al Hilal Really Stun Manchester City in a Seven-Goal Thriller?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Marcos Leonardo's late winner secured Al Hilal's victory.
- Al Hilal demonstrated resilience by coming back to take the lead multiple times.
- Bernardo Silva's early goal set the tone for the match.
- Yassine Bounou's crucial saves kept Al Hilal in contention.
- The match showcased the excitement and unpredictability of football.
Orlando (USA), July 1 (NationPress) Marcos Leonardo clinched a thrilling encounter, leading Al Hilal to a remarkable 4-3 victory over Manchester City to secure a place in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday (IST).
Bernardo Silva struck first, netting just nine minutes into the match. However, Al Hilal countered with two rapid goals from Marcos Leonardo and Malcom within the first six minutes of the second half, only for Erling Haaland to quickly equalize.
Al Hilal regained the lead early in extra time when Kalidou Koulibaly scored, but Phil Foden marked his milestone with a 100th City goal to level the match again. In a nail-biting finish, it was Leonardo who emerged as the hero for Al Hilal.
Next, Al Hilal will head back to Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Friday, where they will face Fluminense FC for a chance to reach the semifinals.
Bernardo Silva converted a loose ball to put City ahead early, and a stunning save from Yassine Bounou denied Savinho a second goal. While the first half was exciting, the initial 12 minutes of the second half were absolutely chaotic, according to FIFA.
Al Hilal's quick succession of goals from Marcos Leonardo and Malcom gave them the lead, but Haaland equalized from a corner. A penalty was awarded when Malcom was fouled by Ruben Dias, but it was called off due to offside.
City kept pushing for a goal, but Bounou made several critical saves. Even when Haaland seemed to score a late winner, Ali Lajami heroically cleared it off the line.
Al Hilal took the lead once more at the start of extra time, with Koulibaly heading in from a Ruben Neves corner, but substitute Phil Foden leveled the score with a well-placed finish. Just as penalties seemed inevitable, Ederson denied Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s header, allowing Marcos Leonardo to bundle the ball over the line and create a stunning upset.