In a climactic Club World Cup semifinal, Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia stunned Flamengo with a 3-2 victory after a grueling second half that saw Flamengo operate with a numerical disadvantage for a major portion. The Saudi side seized the moment to flip the momentum in a dramatic turnaround that kept their title hopes alive.
The clash opened with intensity as Mateuzinho intercepted an early challenge on Luciano Vietto, earning a critical penalty within minutes. Salem Aldawsari, the forward who had risen to prominence after a standout performance for Saudi Arabia at the World Cup in Qatar, stepped forward to convert and set the tone for his team. His decisive open play sparked controversy and sharpened the tension around a match that would oscillate between fierce defense and sharp counterattacks.
As the first half progressed, the Brazilian club Flamengo found its footing and created several chances. Pedro nearly opened the scoring with a powerful header, testing the goalkeeper. The moment came soon after as a cross from Mateuzinho found its way to Pedro, who struck from close range to level the score, restoring balance on the field.
Flamengo pressed forward, but a second critical moment shifted the game. Gérson was booked for a foul and then sent off after receiving a second yellow, reducing Flamengo to ten men. Aldawsari capitalized again by scoring another penalty, extending Al Hilal’s lead and intensifying the pressure on the South American side.
After halftime, Flamengo returned with renewed vigor, aiming to break the knot that had formed around their attack. Marega’s clever work set up Khalifah, who found the net with a well-placed strike that widened the gap and forced Flamengo to chase the game in unfamiliar territory.
Fans in Tangier watched as the action swirled from end to end. A memorable moment came when Vietto connected with a pass to reduce the deficit, only to be thwarted by a disciplined Al Hilal defense that held firm in late pressure. The match appeared to tilt again when Pedro latched onto a ball in the box and delivered a precise finish, but the comeback proved too steep for Flamengo as the clock wound down toward the final whistle.
In the closing minutes, the tempo remained frantic. Al Hilal maintained composure, protecting their lead and managing crucial moments as the game edged toward its conclusion with a narrow but hard-earned victory for the Saudi side.
Data sheet:
Flamengo: Santos, Mateuzinho, David Luiz, Léo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas; Thiago Maia, Gerson; Everton Ribeiro, Gabriel, De Arrascaeta, Pedro.
Al Hilal: Al Mayouf, Saud, Jang, Al Bulayhi, Khalifah, Cuellar, Carrillo, Salem Aldawsari; Marega, Vietto, Ighalo.
Goals: 0-1, min4: Salem Aldawsari (penalty). 1-1, min20: Pedro. 1-2, min53: Salem Aldawsari (penalty). 1-3, min70: Vietto. 2-3, min91: Pedro.
Referee: Istvan Kovacs (Romania). Cautions: Flamengo – Gabriel, David Luiz, Pulgar, Thiago Maia; Al Hilal – Vietto, Khalifah, Jahfali. Argentina was warned for a late challenge; Gérson received a second yellow at minute 53. The match was played in front of 42,496 spectators at the Grand Stade in Tangier, Morocco, with a minute of silence observed for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
Note: This report summarizes the match events and does not confer exclusive rights. For full highlights and official confirmation, refer to the governing body communications and match records.
[Source: FIFA Club World Cup match report]