Pep Guardiola’s side cruised through the group stages without a scratch but crashed out before the quarter-finals after a chaotic defensive performance that saw them concede four goals.
City maintained their reputation for fast starts, finding the net within the first 10 minutes for the fourth consecutive game. Bernardo Silva capitalized on a defensive scramble to slot home from close range, though protests erupted as Rayan Ait-Nouri appeared to handle the ball in the build-up.
Despite creating several chances, City were denied by a superb goalkeeping display, with key saves preventing efforts from Savinho, Ilkay Gundogan, and Josko Gvardiol.
The second half flipped the script almost instantly. Just 44 seconds after the restart, Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo nodded in the equalizer. Moments later, Malcom raced clear to slot home and put Al-Hilal in front. Erling Haaland responded swiftly, bundling in a corner to level the score again.
City pressed hard, with Manuel Akanji hitting the post and Haaland seeing a follow-up miraculously cleared off the line. The game headed into extra time, where Kalidou Koulibaly’s towering header briefly handed Al-Hilal the lead. But Phil Foden struck from a tight angle to drag City back into it.
Ultimately, it was Marcos Leonardo who had the final say, tapping in at the back post in the 112th minute to seal a historic victory.
This pulsating contest, filled with drama and late twists, delivered a major shock as an ambitious Middle Eastern side toppled one of Europe’s giants on the world stage. Despite a bright start, City were left to rue missed chances and defensive lapses as their Club World Cup journey came to a dramatic end.
