In one of the most surprising results in recent football history, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal pulled off a dramatic 4–3 extra-time victory over European giants Manchester City in the last 16 of the Club World Cup, sending shockwaves through the football world.

The match, played in Orlando, saw Marcos Leonardo score a stunning 112th-minute winner to eliminate Pep Guardiola’s star-studded side after a thrilling seven-goal contest.

Reacting to the win, Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi described the performance as nothing short of extraordinary.

“We had to climb Mount Everest without oxygen—and we made it,” Inzaghi told reporters.
“We knew who we were facing. Manchester City is a world-class team with the best coach in the world, but tonight, my players gave everything.”

Al-Hilal's players showed exceptional heart and discipline both on and off the ball. Inzaghi credited their strong tactical display and mental strength as key to the win.
“We were organised in possession, solid in defense, and technically sound,” he added.

Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Al-Hilal have become a rising force in global football, signing top talents like Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Kalidou Koulibaly over the past two years.

Their win over City not only marks a milestone for Saudi football, but also sets up a tantalizing quarter-final clash with Brazil’s Fluminense on Friday.

With momentum on their side and belief at an all-time high, Al-Hilal’s dreams of global glory are suddenly looking a lot more real.