In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the football world, Manchester City suffered a dramatic 4-3 extra-time defeat to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 on June 30, 2025, at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. The pulsating match, described as a seven-goal thriller, saw the Premier League giants knocked out by a resilient Al Hilal side, led by new manager Simone Inzaghi. Amid the fallout, darts sensation and avid Manchester United fan Luke Littler seized the moment to poke fun at City’s star striker Erling Haaland, reigniting a playful rivalry with a cheeky social media jab.
The match began with Manchester City taking an early lead in the ninth minute through Bernardo Silva, whose goal sparked controversy due to unpunished handball claims in the build-up. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, City’s wastefulness in front of goal, coupled with inspired goalkeeping from Al Hilal’s Yassine Bounou, kept the scoreline tight. Al Hilal capitalized on City’s defensive vulnerabilities after the break, with Marcos Leonardo equalizing just 41 seconds into the second half, followed by a clinical strike from former Barcelona winger Malcom in the 52nd minute. Haaland responded swiftly, pouncing on a loose ball to level the score at 2-2, but City’s high defensive line continued to be exposed.
As the game stretched into extra time, former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly headed Al Hilal back in front, only for Phil Foden to equalize with a sublime volley assisted by substitute Rayan Cherki. However, Leonardo’s second goal in the 112th minute, a header from a rebound off City goalkeeper Ederson, sealed a monumental victory for Al Hilal. The Saudi side’s counter-attacking prowess, driven by players like Malcom and João Cancelo, proved too much for Pep Guardiola’s side, which had entered the match as heavy favorites after a 5-2 thrashing of Juventus in the group stage.
City’s defeat marked a continuation of their struggles from a disappointing 2024/25 season, where early exits in the Champions League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup left fans frustrated. Despite new signings like Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Ait-Nouri, City’s defensive frailties were laid bare, with fans on social media calling for Ederson’s departure after conceding four goals from six shots on target. Guardiola, reflecting on the loss, attributed it to “minor margins,” noting, “We allowed them to create transitions, but we created a lot and in general we were good. It’s a pity. We were in such a good place.”
Post-match, Luke Littler, the teenage darts prodigy known for his allegiance to Manchester United, couldn’t resist a dig at Haaland. Taking to Instagram Stories, Littler shared the final scoreline with a three-word caption: “Stay humble, eh.” The taunt was a direct reference to Haaland’s earlier jab at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a 2-2 Premier League draw in September, where the Norwegian had used the same phrase. Littler’s cheeky comment added a layer of humor to City’s misery, resonating with rival fans who reveled in the Premier League giants’ unexpected exit.
The match wasn’t without its off-field drama. Haaland, who was substituted in extra time due to injury, was spotted in a friendly exchange with Al Hilal’s goalkeeper Bounou. Social media buzzed with speculation that Haaland invited Bounou to “Come to City,” a remark some interpreted as a subtle jab at Ederson’s performance. This contrasted with a past encounter in 2021, when Haaland, then at Borussia Dortmund, had a heated moment with Bounou during a Champions League match. Bounou’s heroics, including 10 saves, earned him praise and highlighted Al Hilal’s disciplined performance under Inzaghi, who described the win as “extraordinary” against “one of the best teams in the world.”
For Al Hilal, the victory was a landmark moment for Saudi and Asian football, propelling them into the quarter-finals against Fluminense. The result also underscored the growing competitiveness of the Club World Cup, with two Brazilian sides and a Middle Eastern team advancing. For Manchester City, the loss ended hopes of a potential all-English semi-final against Chelsea and signaled a need for reflection as they head into the 2025/26 season. As Littler’s taunt echoed online, it served as a reminder that in football, even giants can stumble, and rival fans are always ready to pounce.
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