Following a stunning upset victory at the FIFA Club World Cup, Al Hilal midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić didn’t mince words. The Serbian international directly challenged critics of the saudi Pro league after his side eliminated English powerhouse Manchester City. Al Hilal secured a dramatic 4-3 win over the defending Premier League champions in a thrilling Round of 16 clash held in Orlando, Florida. This unexpected result immediately amplified the ongoing debate about the quality and ambition within Saudi Arabian football.
For many players who have transitioned from top European leagues to the Saudi Pro League, the move has come with accusations. Critics often suggest these transfers are motivated primarily by lucrative financial packages rather than a desire to compete at the highest level. However, Milinković-Savić believes Al Hilal’s performance on the global stage offers a compelling counter-argument. The match against Manchester City provided a high-profile platform for the Saudi club to showcase its capabilities against elite opposition.
A Dramatic Club World Cup Clash
The encounter against Manchester City was far from one-sided; it was a back-and-forth battle that captivated fans. Manchester City initially took the lead early in the game through Bernardo Silva. However, Al Hilal demonstrated resilience, responding in the second half with quick goals. Marcos Leonardo and Malcom struck to give the Saudi side a surprising 2-1 advantage.
Manchester City, however, is known for their fighting spirit. Erling Haaland found the equalizer, leveling the score at 2-2 in the 55th minute. The match remained tied through regular time, pushing the contest into extra time. It was in the additional periods that Al Hilal truly shone. Kalidou Koulibaly put them ahead once more in the 94th minute. Phil Foden brought City back level at 3-3 in the 104th minute. The decisive moment arrived in the 112th minute when Marcos Leonardo scored his second goal of the night, securing the historic 4-3 victory for Al Hilal. This result sent shockwaves through the tournament.
Milinković-Savić Hits Back Hard
Immediately after the final whistle confirming the monumental win, Sergej Milinković-Savić was quick to address the long-standing criticisms. Speaking to reporters, the former Lazio midfielder issued a pointed challenge to those who doubted the quality of the Saudi Pro League or the players competing in it. “Let’s see now if they will criticize us,” he declared, directly referencing the Al Hilal victory.
Milinković-Savić asserted that Al Hilal’s performance proves the league is not as detractors often describe it. He didn’t just point to the City win; he cited previous encounters as evidence. “We show against Real Madrid, Salzburg, Pachuca and tonight,” he stated. This references Al Hilal’s 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in their tournament opener and strong showings against other notable teams. His message was clear: their results against established international clubs demonstrate a competitive edge that belies the negative narrative.
The Debate Around Saudi Transfers
The influx of prominent players like Milinković-Savić to the Saudi Pro League is largely attributed to significant investment. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has injected substantial capital into the league. This financial backing has attracted numerous high-profile names from Europe. While supporters see this as raising the league’s profile and standard, critics often frame it as players choosing retirement leagues for financial gain. They question the competitive integrity and overall quality compared to top European competitions. Al Hilal’s upset victory against a team of Manchester City’s caliber provides a powerful moment for those defending the league’s rising status.
Coach Simone Inzaghi’s Praise
Al Hilal’s achievement is also a testament to the work of their coach, Simone Inzaghi. The Italian manager made the move from Europe himself, having left Inter Milan after their Champions League final appearance. Inzaghi reportedly had only a few weeks to work with his new squad before the FIFA Club World Cup began. Despite this limited preparation time, he successfully orchestrated the historic win against Manchester City.
Inzaghi was full of praise for his players following the dramatic match. He credited the result primarily to the team’s spirit and effort on the field. “The key of this result are the players, the heart they put on the pitch,” Inzaghi remarked. He acknowledged the immense challenge of facing Manchester City, describing it vividly. “Tonight we had to do something extraordinary because we knew how good Manchester City are,” he said. Inzaghi likened the task to needing “to climb Mount Everest without oxygen.” He held Pep Guardiola in high regard, calling him “the best coach in the world.” However, Inzaghi firmly believed his team earned their triumph. “Tonight we did our best and we deserved the result,” he concluded.
Al Hilal’s Club World Cup Journey Continues
The victory against Manchester City was not just a statement win; it propelled Al Hilal further into the FIFA Club World Cup competition. The Saudi Arabian side advanced to the quarter-finals following their Round of 16 success. Their next challenge is set to be against Brazilian club Fluminense.
Continued strong performances on this global stage are crucial for Al Hilal and the Saudi Pro League. Demonstrating competitiveness against clubs from different confederations reinforces the argument that the league is improving. Each match serves as an opportunity to build upon the momentum generated by the stunning upset over Manchester City.
Analyzing the Impact of the Upset
Al Hilal’s win represents more than just a single result; it’s a significant moment in the ongoing narrative surrounding the Saudi Pro League. While one victory won’t erase all skepticism, it provides tangible proof that teams from the league can compete with and defeat European giants. This upset could potentially shift perceptions, forcing observers to acknowledge the increasing level of talent and organization within Saudi football. It empowers players like Milinković-Savić to confidently push back against their critics. The debate will undoubtedly continue, but this performance has armed the league and its proponents with compelling evidence. It highlights that substantial investment, coupled with strategic recruitment and effective coaching, can yield impactful results on the international stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What significant result did Al Hilal achieve in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Al Hilal secured a major upset victory by defeating English champions Manchester City 4-3 in extra time. This thrilling match took place in the Round of 16 in Orlando, Florida. The win eliminated Manchester City from the tournament and advanced Al Hilal to the next round.
How did Sergej Milinković-Savić respond to critics of the Saudi Pro League after the match?
Following the win, Milinković-Savić directly challenged detractors by stating, “Let’s see now if they will criticize us.” He argued that Al Hilal’s performance against Manchester City and previous strong showings against teams like Real Madrid, Salzburg, and Pachuca prove the Saudi Pro League is more competitive than critics suggest.
Who is Al Hilal’s next opponent in the FIFA Club World Cup after beating Manchester City?
After their dramatic 4-3 victory over Manchester City in the Round of 16, Al Hilal is set to face Brazilian side Fluminense in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Conclusion
Sergej Milinković-Savić’s emphatic response to his critics underscores the significance of Al Hilal’s dramatic 4-3 upset over Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup. The victory provides a powerful counter-point to the narrative questioning the quality of the Saudi Pro League and the ambition of players who join it. Led by coach Simone Inzaghi and fueled by the determination of players like Milinković-Savić, Al Hilal demonstrated that Saudi clubs can compete at the highest level. As they advance to face Fluminense, their performance on the global stage will continue to be a key factor in shaping the perception of football in Saudi Arabia. This single match has certainly given proponents of the league considerable ammunition in the ongoing debate.
