Al Hilal has officially booked their ticket to the Round of 16 in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Pachuca cementing their position alongside Real Madrid in the knockout stages. This crucial win sees the Saudi Arabian representative finish second in Group H, setting the stage for an intriguing clash against English powerhouse Manchester City.
Pressure Cooker Performance
Entering their final group stage match, Al Hilal faced immense pressure. Not only did they need a decisive win against Pachuca to keep their qualification hopes alive, but their fate also hinged on the simultaneous result between Real Madrid and RB Salzburg – a draw in that match would have spelled elimination for the Saudi side. This high-stakes scenario undoubtedly fueled their determined performance.
Al-Dawsari Breaks The Deadlock
The tension was palpable, but Al Hilal found their crucial breakthrough in the 22nd minute. It was the prolific Salem Al-Dawsari who provided the much-needed opener. Demonstrating exceptional spatial awareness, Al-Dawsari made a clever run to escape his markers before executing a delicate chip over the onrushing Pachuca goalkeeper, Jurado. This moment of brilliance handed the Saudi Pro League champions a vital early advantage, igniting their campaign.
As the first half drew to a close, Al Hilal maintained their 1-0 lead. Simultaneously, news from the other Group H fixture confirmed that Real Madrid had also taken a commanding lead against RB Salzburg, with goals from Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde, further bolstering Al Hilal's chances of progression.
Sealing The Deal In The Second Half
In the second half, Al Hilal continued to exert control over the game, demonstrating their intent to secure the victory. They created numerous opportunities, pressing Pachuca's defense and ensuring there was little room for a comeback.
The definitive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. In the 90+5 minute, Marcos Leonardo sealed Al Hilal's triumph. Displaying quick thinking and nimble footwork, Leonardo made a smart move past the defense before coolly finishing past the goalkeeper, doubling Al Hilal's lead to 2-0. This late goal extinguished any lingering hopes for Pachuca and secured Al Hilal's passage to the next round.
With this crucial win, Al Hilal concluded their Group H campaign with 5 points, placing them second behind Real Madrid, who finished with 7 points after their 3-0 victory over RB Salzburg. The focus now shifts to the Round of 16, where Al Hilal will face a formidable challenge in Manchester City, the winners of Group G. This upcoming match promises to be a true test of Al Hilal's capabilities on the grand stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.