Al Hilal’s fairytale run at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup came to an end on 5 July, as the Saudi giants were beaten 2-1 by Brazil’s Fluminense in the quarter-finals at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
Having already stunned European heavyweights Real Madrid and Manchester City, Al Hilal entered the match full of belief. But despite a spirited second-half display, they were undone by goals from Martinelli and substitute Hercules, with the latter netting the winner in the 70th minute.
A tight first half saw few clear chances for either side, but it was Fluminense who made the breakthrough just before the interval. Midfielder Martinelli unleashed a powerful long-range strike in the 40th minute, beating in-form Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to give the Brazilian side the lead.
Al Hilal had a golden opportunity to level right before the break, when Kalidou Koulibaly who had scored against Manchester City rose to meet a corner. But his header was denied by a sensational reflex save from Fluminense’s 43-year-old goalkeeper Fabio
Filippo Inzaghi’s side came out firing in the second half, as they had done in their comeback win over Manchester City. Their pressure paid off when Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo finished from close range after Koulibaly’s header across goal from a corner in the 55th minute.
But Hilal’s hopes were dashed midway through the second half. Samuel Xavier won a header in the box and substitute Hercules was on hand to slot home and restore Fluminense’s lead.
Despite a strong late push from Al Hilal — including a contentious penalty appeal waved away after Koulibaly went down in the box, they could not find a second equaliser. Bounou, who had been outstanding throughout the the tournament, made several saves to keep his side in the contest but couldn’t prevent the exit.
The result sends Fluminense into the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the later quarter-final between Chelsea and Palmeiras. That match will take place on 8 July in New Jersey, as the Brazilian side, captained by veteran Thiago Silva, continue their impressive run on American soil.