Brazilian side Fluminense secured a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in the quarter-final of the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup 2025, ending Hilal’s campaign in the tournament.
Fluminense took the lead in the 40th minute through Martinelli, who broke the deadlock with a composed finish. However, Marcos Leonardo brought Al-Hilal level in the 52nd minute, sparking hopes of a comeback.
But it was Hércules who scored the match-winner in the 70th minute, securing Fluminense’s place in the semi-final.
After the loss, Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi addressed the media and suggested that the team had to deal with off-field challenges. “The match was balanced and exciting, and the opponent decided it in the second half. I congratulate the Brazilian team on their qualification,” said Inzaghi.
“There are some external events that affected Al-Hilal players in the match against Fluminense, and I do not want to delve into them. I congratulate my players on their heroic performance, both in tonight’s match and in the tournament in general.”
“I am proud to coach Al-Hilal” – Inzaghi
Inzaghi also expressed his admiration for the squad: “I am proud to coach Al-Hilal and proud of all the players in the team. I congratulated all the players without exception for the wonderful level they presented in the Club World Cup.”
On 3 July, Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota tragically lost his life in a car accident, along with his brother Andre. Al-Hilal’s Portuguese players Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo, both Jota’s compatriots, were visibly emotional. They were seen in tears before kick-off during a minute’s silence held in memory of Jota.
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