Al-Hilal Shocks Manchester City in Club World Cup

Al-Hilal’s midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic expressed hope that their impressive progress in the Club World Cup will alter perceptions of the Saudi Pro League in Europe. The Serbian international, who recently transferred from Lazio amid Saudi Arabia’s significant investment in football, highlighted the nation’s ambitions to elevate the league’s reputation.

Milinkovic-Savic participated in a thrilling 120-minute victory over Manchester City, advancing to the quarter-finals with an extraordinary campaign that also saw wins against Real Madrid and Red Bull Salzburg. He responded to critics who doubted the quality of Saudi football, challenging them to criticize after these remarkable results.

Al-Hilal midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic hopes his side’s progress in the Club World Cup will change the perception of the Saudi Pro League

The club’s victory was highlighted by a stunning upset over Manchester City, a team that twice equalized before falling to a last-minute goal from Marcos Leonardo after 112 minutes.

The Saudi side stunned Premier League giants Manchester City and advanced to the quarter-final of the Club World Cup

Coach Simeone Inzaghi, who made a surprising switch from Inter Milan this summer, praised his team’s effort, emphasizing the players’ passion and their ability to compete against top clubs. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s captain Bernardo Silva admitted the defeat felt akin to exiting the Champions League, expressing disappointment yet pride in their efforts.

City had high ambitions to win the tournament but ultimately fell short, showcasing the rising strength of Saudi football on the global stage.