🏟️ Dramatic Knockout Clash: Al‑Hilal Eliminate Manchester City 4–3 (AET)

1. Blazing Start & Controversial Opening

• Manchester City took an early lead through Bernardo Silva, following a looping cross and ricochet — despite Al‑Hilal alleging a handball in the buildup. VAR and the referee ruled the goal valid

• City dominated possession (around 71%) and peppered Al‑Hilal’s goal with chances, but failed to convert.Dramatic Knockout Clash: Al‑Hilal Eliminate Manchester City 4–3 (AET)

2. Al‑Hilal Storm Back

• Kalidou Koulibaly equalized early in extra time via a Nico Neves corner, catching City’s defense cold
• Al‑Hilal kept pushing and Mohamed Malcolm scored their third, handily rolling the ball past Ederson

3. Foden’s Milestone But Insufficient

• Phil Foden was delayed to the bench; when he finally came on, he scored a brilliant volley — his 100th goal for City — to level the game at 3–3
• However, in the 112th minute, Marcos Leonardo headed home what would be the winning goal for Al‑Hilal

4. Key Tactical & Strategic Takeaways

• City struggled to finish chances, allowing Al‑Hilal to capitalize.
• Pep Guardiola’s decision to bench Foden proved pivotal, with critics questioning the timing given Foden’s impact
• Al‑Hilal, under Simone Inzaghi, showcased resilience and tactical discipline—especially their compact defense built around experienced players

5. Consequences & Context

• Manchester City are out, missing out on a £9.6 million payday and a spot in the quarterfinals .
• Al‑Hilal advance to face Fluminense
• The upset signals the growing competitive strength of Saudi clubs on the global stage, bolstered by star signings like Koulibaly, Malcolm, and Leonardo

🧠 Quick Recap

Highlight	Details
Final Score (AET)	Al‑Hilal 4–3 Manchester City
Early Goal	Bernardo Silva for City (off-handball controversy)
Extra-time Drama	Koulibaly, Malcolm, Foden (100th City goal), Leonardo
Turning Point	Leonardo’s header in 112’ seals upset
Aftermath	City miss out on quarterfinals and prize money; Al‑Hilal now face Fluminense