Brazilian club Fluminense has advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup after securing a hard-fought 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, setting up a clash with either Chelsea or Palmeiras next Tuesday in New Jersey.
The breakthrough came when Matheus Martinelli fired a superb effort into the top corner following a well-placed assist from Gabriel Fuentes, giving the Brazilian side an early advantage.
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Al-Hilal thought they had a chance to level from the penalty spot when Samuel Xavier made contact with Marcos Leonardo in the box.
However, a review by the video assistant referee (VAR) overturned the decision, ruling it accidental.Despite the setback, the Saudi team found an equaliser.
A powerful header by Kalidou Koulibaly landed perfectly for Leonardo, who tapped in from close range for his fourth goal of the tournament.
Fluminense sealed the win late in the game when Xavier provided a crucial header that fell to substitute Hercules, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.
Al-Hilal pushed hard in the dying moments for an equaliser but couldn’t force extra time, thus ending their tournament run.
Marcos Leonardo, 22, ends his campaign as one of the top scorers of the tournament, tied with Benfica’s Ángel Di María, both on four goals.
However, with both clubs now eliminated, the race for the Golden Boot could tilt toward other contenders.
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich and Pedro Neto of Chelsea are among several players close behind with three goals each, keeping the competition alive as the tournament heads into its final stages.
