Many questioned the quality and organization of the tournament months before it even began. But as the action unfolds, it’s become harder to look away from the excitement of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The competition is beginning to live up to its billing, producing blockbuster matches that leave fans in awe.
From the early rounds, we’ve seen entertaining performances—not just from European powerhouses, but also from the Brazilian clubs, and most impressively, Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia.
Once considered outsiders, Al Hilal have now forced their way into the title conversation after a thrilling elimination of Manchester City—arguably the game of the tournament so far.
Al Hilal had already shown serious intent in the group stage against Real Madrid, pressing high with quick passing sequences and devastating counterattacks.
Many believe they were unlucky to come away with only a point from that match. In their showdown with Manchester City, they brought the same intensity.
City took the lead through Bernardo Silva, but Hilal responded early in the second half with two quick goals of their own.
Erling Haaland equalized to send the match into extra time, but the night belonged to Leonardo, who scored the winner—his second of the night—in the 112th minute.
Another standout clash was Chelsea vs Benfica, a match that stretched over four hours due to a two-hour weather delay. Chelsea started stronger, dominating possession but lacking the finishing edge.
Their breakthrough came in the 67th minute when captain Reece James fired home a stunning free kick.
But the drama wasn’t over—Ángel Di María, the former Real Madrid star, converted a controversial penalty in the 96th minute to level the score. Chelsea eventually triumphed in extra time, scoring three unanswered goals against a fatigued Benfica defense.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid kicked off their knockout phase with a narrow win over a Juventus side undergoing defensive restructuring.
The Spanish champions clinched the victory with a late goal, sealing a 1–0 result. In the final Round of 16 fixture, Borussia Dortmund edged past Monterrey with a 2–1 win in a tense midnight battle to secure the last spot in the quarterfinals.
These matches have recast the Club World Cup in a new light, elevating its prestige and thrilling fans across the globe. And the drama isn’t over yet.
–
Story by Selorm Ahiamadi|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Pius Asack
