Manchester City suffered a 4-3 extra-time defeat to Al Hilal in the Round of 16 on July 1, 2025, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The loss marked a rare early exit for Pep Guardiola’s side, which had entered the match as favorites after a dominant group stage performance. Following the game, Guardiola shared his thoughts on the match, expressing a mix of disappointment, pride, and respect for the Saudi Pro League side.
Guardiola acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter, describing it as a challenging game where his team struggled to contain Al Hilal’s transitional play. He noted that Manchester City created numerous scoring opportunities, particularly in the first half, but failed to capitalize on them. “It was a difficult game. We allowed them to make transitions, we created a lot. It is a pity, we have been on an incredible journey together and in such a good place,” Guardiola said in his post-match press conference.
Guardiola emphasized that his team’s openness in defense left them vulnerable, as Al Hilal’s quick players punished City on counterattacks. “We were so open. When the crosses arrived, in the first action, they had the ability to pass the ball and attack, and they have quick players. We created a lot and had a lot of chances against a team that defends so deep. They punished us on the transitions,” he added.
Despite the loss, Guardiola expressed gratitude to his players and staff for their commitment throughout the tournament. He highlighted the positive aspects of their preparation and training camp in the United States, even if the outcome was disappointing. “I can’t not say thank you to the staff, how they trained and prepared, they have given everything,” he remarked, underscoring the effort put forth by the squad. Manchester City had started the match strongly, with Bernardo Silva scoring just nine minutes in, but Al Hilal’s resilience and clinical finishing in the second half and extra time turned the tide. Erling Haaland’s equalizer and Phil Foden’s 100th goal for City were not enough to overcome Al Hilal’s two goals in extra time, which sealed the Saudi side’s victory.
Guardiola also addressed the broader context of the Club World Cup, responding to concerns raised by former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and England boss Thomas Tuchel about the tournament’s demanding schedule. He admitted the potential for the competition to disrupt Manchester City’s 2025-26 Premier League campaign but chose to focus on the immediate experience rather than future anxieties. “I try not to think about it, otherwise I will be so anxious,” he had said before the match, emphasizing his desire to embrace the competition and use it as an opportunity for his team to rediscover their identity. Post-match, he reflected on the tournament as a chance to “re-find ourselves what we were,” despite the unexpected outcome.
The match was not without controversy, as Al Hilal players and fans protested a VAR decision surrounding Silva’s opening goal, which involved a potential handball by Rayan Ait-Nouri. The referee, Jesús Valenzuela, broke protocol by clarifying the decision to the crowd, a move prompted by intense backlash from the Al Hilal side. However, this did little to alter the final result, as Al Hilal, led by coach Simone Inzaghi, celebrated a monumental victory. Inzaghi likened the win to “climbing Mount Everest without oxygen,” highlighting the magnitude of defeating a team of City’s caliber.
Guardiola’s comments also touched on his respect for Al Hilal’s quality, a sentiment he had expressed before the match. He had praised their strong defense, skilled goalkeeper, and talented players like João Cancelo, Rúben Neves, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, noting their ability to manage the game effectively. “They are special players,” he had said, acknowledging the growing strength of the Saudi Pro League. Despite the loss, Guardiola remained philosophical, recognizing the unpredictable nature of knockout football and congratulating Al Hilal on their achievement. “Congratulations to Al Hilal!” he concluded, gracious in defeat.