Club World Cup Stunner: Al-Hilal Knock Out Manchester City as Yassine Bounou Shines in Goal
A seismic shock unfolded in Orlando on Monday night as Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal toppled Manchester City in a breathtaking 4–3 thriller, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup. The result defied all expectations and is now etched into the history books of Asian football, led by an extraordinary performance from Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Bounou Stands Tall Against City’s Attack
Manchester City threw their full attacking weight at Al-Hilal. With Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and Bernardo Silva pushing forward, few imagined the Saudis could hold out. But Bounou, calm and composed, delivered a masterclass between the posts. He made a string of sensational saves, frustrating City’s stars time and time again. Without him, Al-Hilal would not have survived the waves of pressure.
A Wild Match and a Victory Full of Heart
City struck first through Bernardo Silva in the ninth minute, and it seemed the game was going to script. But Al-Hilal refused to roll over. Taking advantage of two defensive errors, they scored back-to-back goals early in the second half, in the 46th and 52nd minutes, turning the match around.
Haaland responded almost immediately with an equaliser in the 55th minute. Then Foden struck again in extra time to level the score at 3–3. But Al-Hilal had more to give. Kalidou Koulibaly scored with a header from a corner, and it was Marcos Leonardo who netted the decisive goal in the 112th minute, sealing one of the biggest upsets the tournament has seen. It was a win built on determination, discipline and bold decisions from the touchline.
Simone Inzaghi’s Comeback Story
Just weeks after a difficult exit from Inter Milan and a heavy Champions League defeat to PSG, Simone Inzaghi is writing a new chapter. Since arriving at Al-Hilal, he has instilled an aggressive, high-energy playing style. It is direct, risky and brave, but it works. Against City, his players pressed hard, attacked without fear and disrupted Guardiola’s system. It was a tactical victory as much as a physical one.
A Changing Landscape in World Football
This was not a lucky break. Al-Hilal’s success is part of a bigger story. Saudi football has undergone a rapid transformation, backed by strong investment, smart recruitment and a clear vision. Clubs from the Gulf region are no longer outsiders. They are here to compete and to win.
And at the heart of it stands Yassine Bounou. The Moroccan international, already a national hero after his 2022 World Cup heroics, proved again why he is one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
Next up for Al-Hilal is a clash with Fluminense. With momentum on their side and Bounou in goal, anything is possible.
Editorial team/le7tv
