Orlando, July 1 (UNI) In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves across the football world, Saudi giants Al Hilal edged past reigning European champions Manchester City 4-3 in a dramatic seven-goal Round of 16 thriller at the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025 on Monday night (June 30 local time) at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

It was Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo who stole the spotlight, scoring a brace, including the match-winning goal in extra time, as Al Hilal booked their quarterfinal spot against Brazil’s Fluminense FC on July 5.

City struck early through Bernardo Silva, but the Saudi champions turned the tables in breathtaking fashion after the break. Marcos Leonardo equalised seconds into the second half, followed quickly by a stunning finish from Malcom. Haaland drew City level again, but a disallowed penalty and a heroic goal-line clearance by Ali Lajami kept Al Hilal in it.

Extra time produced more fireworks as Kalidou Koulibaly powered in a header from a Ruben Neves corner, only for substitute Phil Foden to coolly finish and make it 3-3. Just as the match appeared destined for penalties, Leonardo pounced on a rebound after Ederson denied Milinkovic-Savic to secure a famous win.

The match marked the end of a 20-game winless streak for Asian teams against European clubs in FIFA competitions.

"We knew it would be difficult against one of the best teams in the world. But we showed our power, our mentality. This win means a lot," said Al Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly. A visibly emotional Marcos Leonardo dedicated the win to his recovering mother: "She spent 70 days in the ICU. Today she's watching, healthy. These goals were for her."

With this historic win, Al Hilal now gear up for their quarterfinal clash against Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense on July 5 at 10:00 IST.

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