Extra time heats up: Foden equalises Al-Hilal v Manchester City 3-3 at Club World Cup Por Luís Henrique Costa
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In Orlando, Florida, Manchester City and Al-Hilal deliver a thrilling clash in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16, tied at 3-3 in the first half of extra time, with Phil Foden scoring the equalizer at the 12th minute and Kalidou Koulibaly netting two goals for the Saudis. The match, played at Camping World Stadium on Monday night at 10 p.m., remains undecided, with both teams vying for a spot in the next round. The game, marked by comebacks and stunning saves, keeps the tension high until the final moments of extra time.
The clash began with Manchester City taking the lead in the first half, but Al-Hilal fought back fiercely in the second, overturning the score with Brazilian goals from Marcos Leonardo and Malcom. Foden’s entry in extra time shifted the momentum, while Koulibaly stood out both defensively and offensively. The intensity of the match reflects the quality of both squads, with stars like Haaland, Bernardo Silva, and Rúben Neves shining in key moments.
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Here are the main moments that defined the match so far:
- 9’ 1H: Bernardo Silva opens the scoring for City after a move with Doku and Gündogan.
- 30s 2H: Marcos Leonardo levels for Al-Hilal with a header from João Cancelo’s cross.
- 6’ 2H: Malcom turns the game with a stunning goal, dribbling and finishing past Ederson.
- 9’ 2H: Haaland equalizes at 2-2 after a scramble in the Saudi box.
- 2’ 1H (ET): Koulibaly puts Al-Hilal ahead with a header from Rúben Neves’ corner.
- 12’ 1H (ET): Foden ties it again, beating Al-Yami after a Cherki cross.
The contest remains open, with both teams showing physical and tactical prowess to secure a place in the next phase.
Koulibaly: the defender turned goalscorer
Kalidou Koulibaly, renowned for his defensive solidity, stunned as Al-Hilal’s standout performer. The Senegalese defender scored two headed goals, capitalizing on Manchester City’s lapses in set pieces. His presence in attack, combined with his ability to neutralize Haaland at times, makes him a key figure in the match.
Beyond his goals, Koulibaly intercepted critical passes and won aerial duels, proving why he’s a cornerstone in Simone Inzaghi’s setup. His performance underscores Al-Hilal’s strength, as they stood toe-to-toe with a European giant. The defender now has three goals in the 2024/25 season, a rare feat for a center-back.
Koulibaly’s impact transcends statistics. His leadership on the pitch spurred Al-Hilal to chase comebacks at crucial moments, particularly in the second half when they found space for counterattacks. The Saudi fans, out in force in Orlando, roared with every intervention from the player.
Foden steps in and changes the game
Phil Foden, starting on the bench, proved decisive upon entering in extra time. At the 12th minute of the first extra period, the midfielder latched onto a precise cross from Cherki, outmuscling Hamad Al-Yami to slot the ball into Bono’s corner, securing the 3-3 draw. The play showcased the young Englishman’s ability to deliver under pressure, cementing his role as a vital piece in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Manchester City, which had lost momentum in the second half, regained energy with Foden. His movement disrupted the Saudi defense, creating space for players like Doku and Bernardo Silva. Swapping Rodri for Foden also added creativity to the midfield, allowing City to reclaim possession control.
The English fans, filling part of Camping World Stadium, celebrated the goal as a relief, as Al-Hilal had been dominating extra time. Foden’s entry, alongside substitutions like Cherki and Marmoush, highlights the depth of City’s squad, capable of turning a tight game around.
Timeline of key moments
The match was defined by high-intensity moments, with goals and decisive plays keeping the scoreline fluid. Below is a timeline of the main events:
- 9’ 1H: Bernardo Silva finishes in the box to open the scoring (1-0).
- 30s 2H: Marcos Leonardo heads in Cancelo’s cross to level (1-1).
- 6’ 2H: Malcom dribbles and finishes in the corner to take the lead (2-1).
- 9’ 2H: Haaland capitalizes on a scramble to tie (2-2).
- 2’ 1H (ET): Koulibaly heads in a corner to go ahead (3-2).
- 12’ 1H (ET): Foden scores from Cherki’s cross to equalize (3-3).
These moments reflect the balance between the teams, with both sides capitalizing on their chances.
Brazilian flair powers Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal leaned on its Brazilian stars to match Manchester City. Marcos Leonardo, formerly of Santos, scored the equalizer early in the second half, showing sharp instincts in the box. Malcom, meanwhile, orchestrated the comeback with a solo run and a fine goal at the 6th minute.
Other Brazilians, like Renan Lodi and Kaio César, contributed key plays. Lodi was crucial defensively, shutting down Savinho on several occasions, while Kaio César added pace to the attack. The Brazilian contingent in the Saudi squad underscores the country’s footballing quality on the global stage.
The Brazilians’ performances also highlight Al-Hilal’s strategy of blending South American talent with stars like Rúben Neves and Koulibaly. This mix has enabled the team to compete with Europe’s elite, as evidenced in Orlando.
Saves that preserve the draw
Goalkeepers Ederson and Bono were pivotal in keeping the score tied. Bono, for Al-Hilal, made critical stops, including Gündogan’s shot at the 28th minute of the first half and Haaland’s header at the 38th minute of the second, when Lajami also cleared off the line. Ederson, meanwhile, prevented a larger scoreline by denying Malcom and Marcos Leonardo.
Despite the six goals, both teams’ defensive resilience stood out. Rúben Dias and Koulibaly, each on their side, won key duels, while full-backs like Renan Lodi and João Cancelo showed versatility. The match, so far, mirrors the technical and tactical quality of both sides.
Tactical balance in extra time
Extra time began with Manchester City pressing, but Al-Hilal struck back with Koulibaly’s goal. Guardiola’s substitutions, like Cherki and Marmoush, injected dynamism into City’s attack, while Al-Hilal bolstered its defense with Al-Bulayhi and Lajami.
The game remains even, with City probing down the left through Doku and Al-Hilal countering via Rúben Neves. The atmosphere at Camping World Stadium is electric, with both fanbases in full voice. At the 17th minute of the first extra period, the outcome is still anyone’s guess.
