Substitute Hércules came off the bench to net a decisive 70th-minute strike as Brazil’s Fluminense overcame Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal 2–1 on Friday, securing their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The thrilling encounter, watched by over 43,000 spectators, saw the Rio-based side battle their way past a resilient Al Hilal team that had impressed throughout the tournament.
Fluminense, who could face fellow Brazilian side Palmeiras in a potential all-Brazilian semi-final should they defeat Chelsea in the other quarter-final, started cautiously in a tightly contested first half.
The breakthrough came five minutes before the interval when Matheus Martinelli showcased brilliant footwork inside the box. After receiving a pass from Gabriel Fuentes, he spun away from his marker and unleashed a fierce left-footed shot that left Al Hilal’s Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou helpless.
Al Hilal, who previously shocked the world with a 4–3 victory over Manchester City and held Real Madrid to a draw in the group stages, refused to go quietly.
Just six minutes into the second half, they leveled the match through Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo. Kalidou Koulibaly rose highest to meet a Ruben Neves corner, nodding it down into the path of Leonardo, who made no mistake from close range.
Earlier, Koulibaly had nearly equalized with a powerful header, only to be denied by 44-year-old Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio. The Saudis thought they had a golden opportunity to go ahead when referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot after Marcos Leonardo went down under a challenge from Samuel Xavier. However, upon VAR review, the Dutch official reversed his call, spotting no contact between the players.
Fluminense nearly regained the lead through German Cano, who latched onto a poor backpass from Renan Lodi but was denied by quick thinking from Bounou, who smothered the striker’s attempt to round him.
With the game finely poised, it was Hércules who ultimately tipped the balance. After his initial long-range effort was blocked, the loose ball was headed back into his path by Samuel. The substitute charged into the area and struck cleanly past Bounou to restore Fluminense’s advantage.
Al Hilal poured forward in the dying minutes, winning multiple corners and applying relentless pressure. Yet Fluminense held firm, displaying composure and organization to protect their narrow lead and book their spot in the tournament’s last four.
Before kickoff, a poignant moment was observed as the stadium fell silent in honor of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, Andre Silva, who tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain. Al Hilal’s lineup included Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo, both teammates of Jota in the Portuguese national team.
Despite their elimination, Al Hilal exit the tournament with heads held high, having made a significant impact on the global stage. For Fluminense, the dream continues as they now await their next challenge in the semi-finals.
What You Should Know
- Fluminense defeated Al Hilal 2-1 in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final on July 4, 2025, with goals from Matheus Martinelli (40’) and Hercules (70’).
- Al Hilal equalized through Marcos Leonardo (51’), but a VAR-overturned penalty and late pressure couldn’t prevent their exit.
- The match honored Diogo Jota and André Silva, who died in a car crash on July 3, with Portugal’s Neves and Cancelo in Al Hilal’s lineup.
- Fluminense’s win sets up a potential all-Brazilian semi-final against Palmeiras, pending their result against Chelsea.
- The victory highlights Fluminense’s global prowess, while Al Hilal’s campaign, including a shock win over Manchester City, earned widespread respect.
