New Delhi: Al Hilal qualified for the round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a 2-0 win against Mexico’s Pachuca on Thursday at Geodis Park, sealing second spot in Group H after Real Madrid.
This is the club’s first win under new Italian head coach Simone Inzaghi, who took charge on June 5 following his move from Inter Milan. The Saudi Club opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid and followed it with a goalless draw against Austria’s Salzburg.
Salem Al Dawsari broke the deadlock and scored the first goal in the 23rd minute of the match with a deft chip over the Pachuca goalkeeper. Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo sealed the victory in the stoppage time as the club advanced to the knockout round.
Apart from Al Hilal, Inter Milan, Monterrey, Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense, SE Palmeiras, Inter Miami, Paris Saint-Germain, Botafogo, Flamengo, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Juventus, Real Madrid, and Manchester City have qualified for the Round of 16. The Saudi Club will face Manchester City in the knockout round on July 1.
Juventus 2-5 Manchester City
Manchester City maintained their perfect record as they defeated Juventus 5-2 in their last group-stage fixture of the tournament. Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri, started his first game for Pep Guardiola’s side in roughly nine months, and coincidentally, the side ended up producing one of their finest performance.
Jeremy Doku netted the first goal of the match and the Italian side looked to be competitive, with Teun Koopmeiners scoring the equaliser, but the own goal by Pierre Kalulu gave Manchester City the lead.
They further extended their lead in the second half as Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, who came in as substitutes alongside Savinho, scored the goals to ensure they ended their campaign on a high.
Real Madrid 3-0 Salzburg
Real Madrid put up their strongest performance under new manager Xabi Alonso. The Spanish club have already qualified for the knockout round of the tournament. Vinicius Junior scored the opening goal of the match in the 40th minute, and Federico Valverde netted the second goal just before the half-time whistle.
Gonzalo Gracia scored the third goal of the match as Real Madrid finished the group stage with a clean sheet. They will face Juventus on July 2 in the knockout round at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.