Manchester City have been knocked out of the Club World Cup at the last-16 stage after a thrilling 4-3 extra-time loss to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
The match, played at the Camping World Stadium, ended City’s run in a way few fans saw coming.
Despite starting strong, City’s night unravelled due to defensive lapses.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring just nine minutes into the match, giving Pep Guardiola’s side early hope.
However, the evening quickly turned into a rollercoaster.
Al-Hilal responded with two quick goals shortly after the break, courtesy of Marcos Leonardo and Malcom, stunning the Premier League giants.
Though Erling Haaland leveled the score not long after, the second half remained tightly contested.
City’s defensive struggles became even more apparent in extra time.
Al-Hilal regained the lead through Kalidou Koulibaly, only for Phil Foden to equalise with his 100th goal for the club.
In the final moments, Marcos Leonardo sealed the win with his second goal of the night, sending the Saudi team into wild celebration and knocking the European champions out of the competition.
The result was a surprise to many, especially given City’s strong group-stage performance.
However, conceding four goals revealed a vulnerability not often seen in Guardiola’s team.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal’s impressive showing earned them a spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face Fluminense.
The Brazilian side had earlier defeated Inter Milan 2-0, also in Orlando.
City’s exit is a reminder of football’s unpredictability and the growing strength of teams outside Europe.
Moreover, Guardiola is expected to focus on the defensive lapses that led to the defeat.
City remain strong contenders in other competitions, but this Club World Cup campaign will be remembered for its unexpected end.
Man city needs a more serious goalkeeper