Manchester City stunned by Al-Hilal in Club World Cup upset
Manchester City’s Club World Cup dreams ended in disappointment after a shocking 3-4 defeat to Saudi side Al-Hilal. Despite leading 1-0 at halftime, Pep Guardiola’s men collapsed in the second half before succumbing in extra time, with Marcos Leonardo netting the winner.
The Sky Blues, heavy favorites after dominant wins over Wydad Casablanca (2-0), Al-Aïn (6-0), and Juventus (5-2), were undone by defensive lapses and poor transition control.
Bernardo Silva admitted the team’s shortcomings: “We didn’t manage situations well—lost balls, weak organization in counters. They punished us.”
Guardiola acknowledged Al-Hilal’s clinical edge: “We gave them too many transitions. We fought, but congratulations to them.”
The early exit leaves City with tough questions ahead of next season. Silva vowed a reset: “We’ll rest, prepare, and come back stronger.”
With the Premier League resuming soon, City must regroup quickly—but this defeat will linger.
