Fluminense match-winner Hercules replaced their other goalscorer Matheus Martinelli at half-time
Fluminense edged past Al Hilal 2-1 in a gripping FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal clash, securing their semi-final berth against Chelsea. The high-octane encounter in New Jersey saw the Brazilian underdogs outperform the seasoned Saudi giants in a battle packed with drama, emotion, and brilliant football.
Brazilian Brilliance Lights Up the Quarterfinal
Fluminense opened the scoring with a moment of magic.
Midfielder Matheus Martinelli curled a stunning shot into the top corner after a perfectly weighted pass from Gabriel Fuentes. It was a composed and clinical finish that stunned Al Hilal early in the first half.
But the Saudi club weren’t going down without a fight. They thought they had a chance to equalize when Marcos Leonardo was clipped in the box by Samuel Xavier. Initially ruled a penalty, the decision was overturned by VAR upon review, denying Hilal the opportunity.
Marcos Leonardo Strikes Again
The missed penalty didn’t stop Al Hilal’s push. Their persistence paid off when Kalidou Koulibaly rose to meet a corner, and his header dropped kindly to Marcos Leonardo. The 22-year-old Brazilian striker slotted it in from close range for his fourth goal of the tournament, placing him at the top of the goal-scoring charts alongside Angel di Maria.
Leonardo’s form has been one of the tournament’s biggest stories, and his goal reignited hope for Hilal.
Late Drama as Flu Finds the Winner
As the match entered its final phase, Fluminense found a way through once again. Samuel Xavier, who earlier conceded the penalty that was later reversed, played a vital role. His header across the box found substitute Hercules, who coolly placed his shot into the bottom corner.
Despite mounting pressure and several late attacks, Al Hilal couldn’t find an equaliser. Fluminense held on and celebrated wildly as the whistle blew, confirming a historic semi-final date with Chelsea.
Underdog Story Adds Another Chapter
Few expected Fluminense to reach this stage. The Brazilian side isn’t even among the elite in their domestic league. They narrowly avoided relegation last season and are currently sixth in the 2025 campaign.
Yet here they are—two wins away from being crowned world champions. Their fairytale run has defied odds, and their semi-final clash against Chelsea promises even more fireworks.
Age Is Just a Number for Fluminense Veterans
One of the most inspiring aspects of Fluminense’s journey is the contribution of their veterans. Goalkeeper Fabio, at 44, and centre-back Thiago Silva, at 40, are rewriting records.
Fabio was a wall between the posts, conceding just three goals in five matches. Against Hilal, he made crucial saves to deny Koulibaly and Musab Al Juwayr, proving age is no barrier to excellence.
Thiago Silva, despite suffering a nose injury, was a rock in defence. His experience and composure kept the backline organized under pressure.
Emotional Moments and Key Stats
Before kickoff, emotions ran high as Hilal’s Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves were in tears during a minute’s silence for their late Portugal teammate, Diogo Jota. The moment served as a touching reminder of football’s emotional depth beyond the scoreboard.
Statistically, Marcos Leonardo became joint top scorer of the Club World Cup with four goals, matching Benfica’s Angel di Maria. Unfortunately, both players are now out of the tournament. A tight pack of contenders with three goals each includes Bayern’s Harry Kane and Chelsea’s Pedro Neto.
What Lies Ahead
Fluminense now travel to New Jersey to face Chelsea in the semi-final on Tuesday at 20:00 BST. A win there will catapult them into the final—an unimaginable dream for a club that hovered near relegation not long ago.
As for Al Hilal, their Club World Cup journey ends here. They will return to action when the 2025–26 Saudi season kicks off next month.
