Saudi Gazette report

NASHVILLE — Al Hilal advanced to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Mexico’s Pachuca on Thursday at Geodis Park, sealing second place in Group H behind Real Madrid.

The win marked the first under new Italian head coach Simone Inzaghi, who took charge on June 5 following his move from Inter Milan.

Al Hilal had opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid and followed it with a goalless draw versus Austria’s Salzburg.

Salem Al Dawsari broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute with a deft chip over the Pachuca goalkeeper after being set up by Nasser Al Dawsari.

Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo later sealed the win deep into stoppage time, rounding the keeper and finishing calmly after a counterattack led by Ruben Neves (90+5).

The result saw Al Hilal finish with five points in Group H, earning a knockout clash with UEFA Champions League winners Manchester City.

Meanwhile, group leaders Real Madrid, who defeated Salzburg 3-0 in Philadelphia, will take on Juventus in the next round.

It was Al Hilal’s fourth win across their four Club World Cup appearances, in addition to four draws and four defeats.

Despite Pachuca threatening early through Alexis Dominguez (5’), it was Al Hilal who gradually took control.

Marcos Leonardo came close to doubling the lead in the first half with a powerful header that just missed (36’).

In the second half, Yassine Bounou was called into action to stop a low shot from Salomón Rondón (55’), and later, Pachuca defender Eduardo Bauermann cleared a near-certain goal off the line after Jurado had only partially saved Leonardo’s effort (82’).

Leonardo finally found the net in injury time, confirming Al Hilal’s progression with a slick finish after dribbling past the goalkeeper.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid cruised past Salzburg 3-0 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring with a composed solo effort (40’), before setting up Federico Valverde’s second with a backheel assist (45+3). Gonzalo Garcia rounded off the win with a breakaway goal in the 84th minute.