Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi has likened his side’s 4-3 extra-time win over Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 to climbing Mount Everest without oxygen, Afrosport reports.
The Saudi Pro League side booked their place in the quarter-finals after Marcos Leonardo scored a 112th-minute winner and will face Fluminense next.
The game was played in humid conditions in Orlando, and Inzaghi was pleased with how his players gave their all on the pitch.
“The key to this result was the players, and the heart they put on the pitch. We had to do something extraordinary because we all know Manchester City, that team,” the Italian said.
“We had to climb Mount Everest without oxygen, and we made it. All the players were exceptional in everything, in the possession phase, the non-possession phase.
“We were very well organised in possession and we played well from a technical point of view against a team which is really aggressive and strong in possession.
“[Pep] Guardiola, I believe, is the best coach in the world, but we did our best and I believe we deserve this result.”
Manchester City 🆚 Al Hilal#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/XlJNpBD2gJ
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 1, 2025
Meanwhile, City boss Pep Guardiola compared the level of competitiveness at the Club World Cup to the FIFA World Cup, which will be held next year in North America.
“The level in this competition is a World Cup,” he said. “The only regret I have is that we allowed them to run a little bit more than expected.
“Against a team that defended so deep, the wingers have been brilliant. The chances that we had in many, many departments. Bounou made a lot of saves, and, in the end, you have to score, you have to be clinical.
“We would have loved to continue, it’s not easy to be here once every four years.
“The team still has that feeling, that the team is doing well. But we go home, and now it’s time to rest, to refresh our minds and come back for next season.”
Man City will turn their attention to the 2025-26 season with the hope of challenging for silverware once again.
