KLIK SAJA - Manchester City and Al-Hilal are set for a high-stakes last-16 clash this Monday at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
Both played so well and unbeaten in the group stage.
Pep Guardiola’s side cruised into the knockout stage with a perfect nine points, while the star-studded Saudi champions had to settle for second place in their group behind Real Madrid.
After years of falling short on the global stage, Manchester City have been in dominant form throughout the group phase.
They were the only team to claim the maximum nine points, marching into the knockouts with confidence and style.
Following an eight-goal spree against Al-Ain and Wydad AC, the Citizens faced their toughest test yet against Juventus.
Despite a rare error from Ederson — which was quickly overshadowed by an even bigger blunder from Pierre Kalulu — City ran riot with a commanding 5-2 victory to secure top spot in Group G.
City also topped the group stage in both total points and goals scored. Including their strong finish to the 2024–25 Premier League season, Guardiola’s men are currently enjoying a five-match winning streak across all competitions.
However, their opponents, Al-Hilal, remain undefeated as well during their Club World Cup campaign in the United States.
While City’s attacking power lit up Group G, Al-Hilal relied on defensive resilience in Group H, scoring just three goals but conceding only once. That was enough to see them finish second, just behind Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants were the only team to breach Al-Hilal’s defense in a 1-1 draw.
The Saudi side then played out a goalless stalemate with Red Bull Salzburg before a crucial final matchday victory over Pachuca.
A brilliant lob from Salem Al-Dawsari and a last-gasp tap-in by Marcos Leonardo sealed their place in the knockouts.
With just one goal conceded in three matches, Al-Hilal matched Paris Saint-Germain for the best defensive record in the group stage.