Guardiola regrets missed chances as Al-Hilal stun Man City in Club World Cup thriller

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By Tolu Shotade
01 Jul 2025
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Tolu Shotade 01 Jul 2025
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  • Manchester City eliminated from Club World Cup after 4-3 loss to Al-Hilal.
  • Guardiola criticizes missed chances and defensive weaknesses.
  • Al-Hilal advances to face Fluminense in the quarterfinals.
Guardiola Al Hilal
Guardiola Al Hilal

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has rued his side's missed chances in their shocking elimination from the Club World Cup following a dramatic 4-3 extra-time defeat to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on Monday night.

City took an early lead through captain Bernardo Silva, but Al-Hilal went in front through two quick second-half goals from Marcos Leonardo and Malcom. Erling Haaland got on the scoresheet to draw the Premier League side level, sending the tie into extra time.

Goals from Kalidou Koulibaly and Phil Foden had the scores tied at 3-3, but Leonardo had the final say, tapping the ball home from close range to cause a major upset and give his side the win as they advanced to the quarter-finals.

Al Hilal will take on Fluminense on Friday, July 4 in the quarterfinals, after the Brazilian side stunned Inter Milan 2-0.

Guardiola acknowledged his team’s defensive frailties and praised Al-Hilal’s Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. He was however critical of City’s failure to take the numerous chances they created.

 "In the end, we have to score and be clinical,” the Spaniard said. “They arrived more in the transitions. They did not create much in the first half; we did but could not finish it."

"We created a lot and [Yassine] Bounou made incredible saves but we were so open,” he added. "We regret a little bit that we allowed them to run a bit more. They defended so deep, the wingers were so quick.”

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