Marcos Leonardo scores for Al-Hilal to tie the match with Fluminense in the Club World Cup Por Jeronimo Santos
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In Orlando, on the afternoon of July 4, 2025, Fluminense and Al-Hilal deliver a thrilling clash in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals, with the score tied at 1-1 as of the 11th minute of the second half. The Tricolor took the lead with a stunning goal from Martinelli at the 39th minute of the first half, but the Saudi team responded with Marcos Leonardo at the 5th minute of the second half. The match, played under intense heat, remains fierce, with chances for both sides. Held at the Inter & Co Stadium, the game keeps the tension high as the teams vie for a semifinal spot. The duel reflects the tactical preparation of both sides, with Fluminense relying on crosses and Al-Hilal exploiting quick counterattacks.
The first half was marked by cautious play, with both teams studying each other and exchanging passes without much boldness. Fluminense, led by Renato Gaúcho, struggled to break through the Saudi defense but managed to score through a moment of opportunism. Al-Hilal, coached by Jorge Jesus, adopted a reactive stance, waiting for the Tricolor in their half and seeking fast transitions, but they were thwarted by Fluminense’s solid defense, particularly Fábio’s performance.
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Key moments of the match so far:
- 18th minute, 1st half: Nonato takes Fluminense’s first shot, but it goes wide.
- 39th minute, 1st half: Martinelli fires a screamer into the top corner after a Samuel Xavier cross, opening the score.
- 45th minute, 1st half: Fábio makes a miraculous save on Koulibaly’s header, preserving Flu’s lead.
- 49th minute, 1st half: Referee overturns a penalty for Al-Hilal after VAR review.
- 5th minute, 2nd half: Marcos Leonardo levels the score for Al-Hilal with a precise header.
The match remains open, with Fluminense aiming to regain the lead and Al-Hilal pushing for a comeback.
First half of tactical balance
Fluminense fielded a solid lineup, retaining the core that defeated Internazionale in the previous round. Thiago Silva, with his experience, anchored the defense alongside Ignácio and Freytes, while Martinelli and Nonato controlled the midfield tempo. The Tricolor relied on wing play, with Samuel Xavier and Fuentes delivering crosses to Cano and Arias. However, a lack of precision in passing limited clear-cut chances early on. Al-Hilal, meanwhile, played more reactively, sitting back and looking for quick breaks with Malcom and Marcos Leonardo.
At the 25th minute of the first half, Al-Hilal had their first clear chance when Nasser shot in the box, but Ignácio blocked. Fluminense countered with an Arias move that earned a corner. The game heated up in the final minutes of the first half, with Martinelli’s goal and Fábio’s crucial save securing the Tricolor’s lead at the break.
Martinelli’s stunner shifts the game
At the 39th minute of the first half, Fluminense found the net through a well-crafted move. Samuel Xavier crossed from the right, Rúben Neves misjudged the clearance, and the ball fell to Fuentes, who set up Martinelli. The Tricolor midfielder spun past Milinkovic-Savic and unleashed a perfect shot into Bono’s top corner, igniting the crowd in Orlando. The goal rewarded Flu’s persistence, as they had been probing with aerial plays to unsettle the Saudi defense.
The moment underscored Martinelli’s importance in Renato Gaúcho’s setup. Beyond the screamer, he was pivotal in linking defense and attack, though he picked up a yellow card at the 42nd minute, ruling him out of a potential semifinal. The Tricolor fans celebrated, but their lead was short-lived, with Al-Hilal showing resilience in the second half.
Al-Hilal’s swift response
The second half began with Al-Hilal more assertive. At the 5th minute, Marcos Leonardo equalized. Following a pinpoint cross from Rúben Neves, the striker capitalized on a defensive lapse and headed past Fábio. The goal boosted the Saudi side’s confidence, prompting them to press with greater intensity. Lodi and Malcom began exploiting the flanks, while Milinkovic-Savic tried to orchestrate the midfield.
Marcos Leonardo, formerly of Santos, showed his poacher’s instinct with the goal. His movement in the box has been a constant threat to Fluminense’s defense, which now must regroup to contain Al-Hilal’s momentum. The draw keeps the match balanced, with both teams creating chances to take the lead.
Timeline of key plays
The match has been defined by high-intensity moments. Here are the most decisive plays up to the 11th minute of the second half:
- 25th minute, 1st half: Nasser shoots in the box, but Ignácio blocks, thwarting Al-Hilal’s chance.
- 34th minute, 1st half: Freytes receives a yellow card for a foul on Malcom, complicating Flu’s next match.
- 39th minute, 1st half: Martinelli scores a screamer from outside the box, putting Fluminense ahead.
- 45th minute, 1st half: Fábio pulls off a spectacular save on Koulibaly’s header, securing the lead.
- 5th minute, 2nd half: Marcos Leonardo equalizes with a sharp header from Rúben Neves’ cross.
Tension in the final first-half minutes
The end of the first half was packed with drama and controversy. At the 45th minute, Koulibaly nearly equalized for Al-Hilal, but Fábio made a remarkable save. Moments later, at the 46th minute, the referee awarded a penalty to the Saudis after Samuel Xavier’s slight contact with Marcos Leonardo. The call sparked protests from Fluminense players, and after a VAR review, the penalty was overturned, much to the Tricolor’s relief. The incident highlighted the game’s tight margins, with both teams generating chances.
The penalty reversal was a turning point, preserving Fluminense’s lead at halftime. However, Martinelli’s substitution for Hércules at the break, due to his yellow card, could impact Flu’s midfield in the second half.
Orlando heat impacts pace
The scorching heat in Orlando, with temperatures exceeding 30°C, has influenced player performance. At the 30th minute of the first half, a hydration break allowed coaches to tweak their tactics. Fluminense, accustomed to tropical climates, appeared to handle the conditions better, while Al-Hilal showed signs of physical fatigue. The lively crowd at Inter & Co Stadium keeps the atmosphere electric, cheering both teams in a match that promises more twists.
Tactical strategies in focus
Renato Gaúcho set up Fluminense to prioritize defensive solidity and wing play. Samuel Xavier and Fuentes have been key in attack, while Cano hunts for chances in the box. For Al-Hilal, Jorge Jesus relies on Malcom and Marcos Leonardo’s speed, with Rúben Neves pulling the strings in midfield. Quick passing and counterattacks define the Saudi side’s approach, as they look to exploit Flu’s mistakes.
The current draw reflects the tactical stalemate. Fluminense must stay focused to avoid defensive errors, while Al-Hilal searches for gaps to assert their attacking game. The match remains wide open, with potential for more goals.
Absences for the next round
Regardless of the outcome, both teams face confirmed absences for a potential semifinal. For Fluminense, Martinelli and Freytes, booked with yellow cards, are suspended. For Al-Hilal, Renan Lodi, also cautioned, will miss the next game. These absences could shape the teams’ strategies if they advance. Martinelli’s suspension, in particular, is a blow for Flu, given his role in the goal and midfield dynamism.
Open game with chances for both
At the 11th minute of the second half, Fluminense is working to regain control, while Al-Hilal keeps up the pressure. Lodi and Rúben Neves continue to create dangerous moves, but Flu’s defense, led by Thiago Silva, remains resolute. On the Tricolor side, Arias and Cano probe for openings in the Saudi backline, where João Cancelo stands out. The game maintains its fast pace, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of this gripping encounter.
