Al Hilal, the sole Asian team to reach the knockout stage of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, now face a daunting challenge, taking on Premier League giants Manchester City in the Round of 16. The match, dubbed the “Battle of the Moons,” will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and could mark the end of Al Hilal’s bold campaign.
Al Hilal – Asia’s Lone Survivor
Four Asian clubs entered this year’s revamped Club World Cup, but only Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al Hilal made it past the group stage. Drawn into Group H, they secured second place after holding Spanish giants Real Madrid and Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg to draws, showcasing the strength and grit that have made them a regional powerhouse.
Unfortunately for Al Hilal, their next opponent couldn’t be more challenging. Manchester City emerged from Group G with a flawless record, winning all three matches, scoring 13 goals, and conceding just two. They comfortably beat Morocco’s Wydad AC 2-0, thrashed UAE side Al Ain 6-0, and dismantled Italian giants Juventus 5-2.
The Cityzens are firing on all cylinders and, having already crushed an Asian team (Al Ain) at the very same stadium, they’ll be looking to repeat the feat against Al Hilal.
Injuries Add to Al Hilal’s Woes
While Al Hilal boast former European stars like João Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Malcom, their hopes have taken a hit with a mounting injury list. Team captain Salem Al-Dawsari is ruled out due to a hamstring injury, and star striker Aleksandar Mitrović remains a doubt, posing a significant blow to their chances.
Nevertheless, the squad’s experience and composure, proven during the group stage, cannot be underestimated. Under the leadership of former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, the team remains united and ambitious.
“We didn’t come here for a vacation,” said Inzaghi. “We came here to compete with the best in the world. It’s a huge challenge, but we’re proud to represent Asia and will give everything to achieve our goal.”
City’s Key Stars Firing, Rodri Returns in Style
Manchester City, meanwhile, are enjoying outstanding form across the board. Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku, and Phil Foden have each netted twice in the group stage, while new signings like Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders are blending into the squad smoothly.
Perhaps the most significant boost for City is the return of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The Spanish midfielder made his long-awaited comeback in the final group match against Juventus after recovering from a serious knee injury that had sidelined him for nearly 10 months. He looked sharp and composed, just the kind of presence Pep Guardiola needs in midfield heading into the business end of the tournament.
“Having Rodri back is massive,” said Guardiola. “He brings stability and class to our game. We’re here to win it all, and we’ll give everything we’ve got.”
Can Al Hilal Defy the Odds?
With the odds stacked against them, Al Hilal will need a near-perfect performance to overcome a relentless Manchester City side. But football has never been short of surprises, and if there’s any team from Asia that can dream big, it’s Al Hilal.
As the only team flying the Asian flag in the knockouts, they carry not just their hopes but also those of a continent. One thing is sure: this clash will be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
