Saudi football club Al-Hilal bows out of Club World Cup competition

The Saudi Football club Al Hilal’s historic Club World Cup run came to an end after a hard-fought 2-1 defeat to Brazil’s Fluminense in the quarter-finals.

The Saudi club had shocked Manchester City 4-3 in the previous round and remained unbeaten in the group stage, including a draw against Real Madrid, leaving a lasting impression on the global stage.

Before the kickoff a moment of silence was observed in memory of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically died in a car accident. Jota’s Portugal teammates Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo featured in Al Hilal’s starting lineup.

Gabriel Martinelli gave Fluminense the lead in a cautious first half. Al Hilal responded after the break, equalizing through Marcos Leonardo following a Koulibaly header. However, Hercules restored Fluminense’s lead in the 70th minute after a well-worked play.

Despite late pressure and a flurry of corners from Al Hilal, Fluminense held firm to book a place in the semi-finals. Coach Renato Gaucho praised his team’s commitment and urged fans to wear the club’s jersey with pride.

In another quarter-final English club Chelsea secured a spot in the Club World Cup semifinals after a 2-1 victory over Brazilian side Palmeiras at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Chelsea will now face Fluminense in the semifinal clash onJuly 8 at MetLife Stadium in New York.

Cole Palmer opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 16th minute, while Palmeiras equalized through their young star Estevão in the 53rd minute. An own goal by Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton in the 83rd minute handed Chelsea the win.

This match marked Estevão’s final appearance for Palmeiras before his agreed transfer to Chelsea.