Fluminense Stun Al-Hilal to Reach Club World Cup Semi-Final
Brazilian giants Fluminense FC booked their place in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabian champions Al-Hilal on Friday night, in a match that showcased grit, experience, and flashes of brilliance.
The encounter, played at the King Abdullah Sports City, saw Matheus Martinelli and Hércules find the net for Fluminense, while Marcos Leonardo briefly gave Al-Hilal hope with a second-half equalizer.
A Tactical Battle Under the Lights
From the outset, the match was a tense tactical contest, with Al-Hilal pressing high and looking to capitalize on quick transitions, while Fluminense maintained their composure with measured possession and patient buildup play.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute, when Martinelli rifled home a low shot from the edge of the box after a well-worked team move. The goal gave Fluminense the lead going into halftime and was a testament to the team’s technical prowess and discipline.
However, Al-Hilal responded quickly after the break. Just six minutes into the second half, Marcos Leonardo, formerly of Santos, latched onto a defensive lapse to slot the ball past veteran Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio, leveling the score at 1-1 and reigniting the Saudi side’s hopes.
Veteran Composure, Young Spark
As the match intensified, it was Fluminense’s depth and experience that made the difference. In the 70th minute, substitute Hércules—who had just come on—made an instant impact with a thumping header from a corner, restoring the Brazilian side’s lead.
From then on, it was game management at its finest. 44-year-old Fábio, one of the oldest active goalkeepers in top-level football, pulled off two crucial saves in the dying minutes to preserve the lead. His performance, alongside captain Thiago Silva, epitomized Fluminense’s defensive resilience.
What’s Next for Fluminense
With this victory, Fluminense advances to the semi-finals, where they will face Chelsea, who defeated Palmeiras in the other quarter-final. The semi-final clash is scheduled for July 8, 2025, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between South American flair and European power.
Manager Fernando Diniz praised his squad’s mentality:
“We showed what Fluminense football is about—discipline, creativity, and unity. Al-Hilal were a strong opponent, but we believed in ourselves, and now we’re one step closer to history.”
Final Score: Fluminense 2–1 Al-Hilal
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Goals:
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Fluminense: Martinelli (40′), Hércules (70′)
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Al-Hilal: Marcos Leonardo (51′)
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Match Notes:
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Man of the Match: Fábio (Fluminense) – crucial saves in the final minutes
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Possession: Fluminense 56% – Al-Hilal 44%
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Shots on target: Fluminense 5 – Al-Hilal 4
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Venue: King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
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Attendance: 38,200
Fluminense now dream of bringing Brazil its first Club World Cup title since Corinthians in 2012. With their blend of experience, youth, and determination, the Tricolor are just two wins away from etching their name into global football history.
