Thunderbolt in Orlando! In an epic match counting for the knockout stages of the Club World Cup, Manchester City was eliminated by Al-Hilal (3-4 AP) after a completely crazy scenario. Despite a clear domination in the first period and the opening of the rapid score of Bernardo Silva (9th), the Citizens saw the Saudis return, then exceed them, before yielding definitively during extensions.
City seemed to be in the break, however, leading only 1-0 but obtaining multiple opportunities, all pushed by an imperial bounou in the cages of al-Hilal. But on the return from the locker room, the match changed. Marcos Leonardo equalized with a head (46th), then Malcom punished City against (52nd). The English reaction was quick, Haaland restoring the balance (55th) of a shot in confusion.
The Citizens cracked in overtime
Pushed into overtime by a metamorphosed Saudi team, Manchester City again fell for. Kalidou Koulibaly gave the advantage to Al-Hilal from the head on a corner (94th), before Phil Foden, well served by Cherki, relaunched the suspense (104th). But it was ultimately Leonardo, again, who crucified Guardiola's men in the 112nd minute, taking advantage of a ball badly pushed by Ederson.
Despite a good comeback of Rayan Cherki and several hot situations, City has come up against a heroic defense and an always as decisive Bounou. Koulibaly, Imperial, and Lodi, very active, also contributed to this immense surprise. Manchester City, one of the big favorites in the competition, comes out of the eighth, exceeded in intensity and determination.
Al-Hilal signs a resounding feat there and has a quarter-final of the dream against the Brazilian club of Fluminense. For Guardiola and her men, it is a major disillusionment. For Saudi football, it is a brilliant demonstration of progress and ambition. A match that will remain in the history of this club World Cup.
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To summarize
Manchester City is eliminated by Al-Hilal (3-4 AP) after a spectacular match. Despite goals from Silva, Haaland and Foden, the Saudis, worn by Leonardo, Malcom and a heroic Koulibaly, create surprise in Orlando. A monumental feat for Al-Hilal, which goes to the quarter-finals against Fluminense.
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