Brazilian side Fluminense secured their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal in an entertaining contest. The victory sets up a much-anticipated semi-final showdown with Chelsea on Tuesday in New Jersey.
Matheus Martinelli opened the scoring for Flu with a superb strike into the top corner after latching onto Gabriel Fuentes’ precise pass. The 16-yard finish lit up the first half and put the Brazilians in control. Al-Hilal appeared to have a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty following Samuel Xavier’s challenge on Marcos Leonardo, but the decision was correctly overturned after VAR review, with replays showing minimal contact.
Al-Hilal, however, would not be denied their equaliser for long. Former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly rose highest to head the ball down into the path of Leonardo, who calmly slotted home his fourth goal of the tournament, levelling the score and reigniting hopes for the Saudi side.
Substitute Hercules Delivers the Decisive Blow
With the game finely balanced, it was Fluminense who found the winner late in the second half. Samuel Xavier, who had earlier been at the heart of the VAR drama, turned provider by heading the ball down to substitute Hercules. The Brazilian midfielder showed composure beyond his years, firing low into the bottom corner to restore his side’s lead.
Despite Al-Hilal’s relentless pressure in the closing stages, including several late chances that tested Fluminense’s experienced backline, the Saudi Pro League outfit could not find an equaliser. Veteran goalkeeper Fabio and centre-back Thiago Silva held firm under intense scrutiny to ensure their side’s progression to the semi-finals.
The result is all the more remarkable considering the pre-tournament expectations, where few would have backed Fluminense to reach this stage. Both Al-Hilal and Flu had already upset the odds by defeating European heavyweights Manchester City and Inter Milan respectively.
The Unlikely Heroes of Fluminense’s Remarkable Run
Fluminense’s fairytale journey to the semi-finals is underscored by the team’s recent domestic struggles. They finished just four points above the relegation zone last season in Brazil’s Serie A and currently sit sixth in the 2025 campaign. Yet, this underdog team now stands just two victories away from being crowned world champions.
Much of their success has been built on the evergreen performances of veterans. Forty-four-year-old goalkeeper Fabio has been a revelation, conceding only three goals in five matches and making crucial saves when it mattered most. Thiago Silva, 40, was equally outstanding, even battling through a nose injury to marshal the defence with authority and calm.
The leadership and resilience of these seasoned players have inspired a youthful squad to dream big on the global stage. The combination of experience and youthful energy has proven to be a winning formula for the Rio de Janeiro-based side.
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Fluminense Edge Past Al-Hilal to Book Club World Cup Semi-Final Date with Chelsea
Al-Hilal’s 22-year-old forward Marcos Leonardo continued his impressive form by netting his fourth goal of the tournament, joining Benfica’s Angel Di Maria at the top of the goal-scoring charts. Leonardo’s predatory instincts and sharpness in front of goal have been key highlights of Al-Hilal’s journey.
Despite their exit, Al-Hilal showed resilience and quality throughout the competition, including their memorable victory over Manchester City. Portuguese stars Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves were visibly emotional before the game, shedding tears during a minute’s silence in memory of their compatriot Diogo Jota, adding a poignant note to the proceedings.
Meanwhile, other top scorers like Harry Kane of Bayern Munich and Chelsea’s Pedro Neto remain in contention, each with three goals to their name, as the tournament approaches its climax.
What Lies Ahead for Fluminense and Al-Hilal?
Fluminense will now shift their focus to a daunting semi-final clash with Premier League giants Chelsea on Tuesday in New Jersey. The Brazilian side will once again enter as underdogs but will carry with them the belief and momentum of their remarkable run so far.
For Al-Hilal, their Club World Cup journey ends, and they will now turn their attention to preparations for the upcoming 2025-26 Saudi season, where they will look to build on their recent continental and global successes. The Saudi side, boosted by the experience gained in this tournament, will aim to continue asserting themselves as a force in international club football.
As for Fluminense, the dream of becoming world champions lives on—a story of grit, resilience, and unexpected glory that has captured the hearts of football fans worldwide.
