In a thrilling quarter-final clash at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Fluminense edged past Al Hilal with a 2-1 victory at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The Brazilian side, unbeaten in this year’s tournament, showcased resilience and tactical prowess to secure their spot in the semifinals, where they will face either Chelsea or Palmeiras.
The match kicked off under somber circumstances with a minute of silence honoring Liverpool’s Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, setting a respectful tone before the intense football action unfolded. Referee Danny Makkelie from the Netherlands officiated the encounter, which featured two former runners-up of the tournament — Fluminense from 2023 and Al Hilal from 2022.
Fluminense entered this fixture riding a ten-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, boasting seven wins and three draws. Their defensive solidity was evident, having kept clean sheets in five of their last six matches. Their offensive threat was particularly potent late in games, with half of their tournament goals arriving after the 75th minute, a trend that would continue in this match.
From the outset, the match was physical and competitive. Early yellow cards were shown to Fluminense’s Sergej Milinković-Savić in the 12th minute and Al Hilal’s Renan Lodi in the 22nd minute, signaling the intensity of the battle for midfield dominance. Mohamed Kanno of Al Hilal also earned a free kick for a reckless tackle in the 32nd minute, further highlighting the fierce contest.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Fluminense capitalized on a poor clearance by Al Hilal. Gabriel Fuentes delivered a precise pass into the box, finding Martinelli, who coolly slotted the ball into the top right corner to give Fluminense a 1-0 lead. This goal was a testament to Fluminense’s sharpness in exploiting defensive lapses.
Just before halftime, a dramatic moment unfolded when Al Hilal was awarded a penalty after a foul on Samuel Xavier. However, after consulting VAR, referee Makkelie overturned the decision, denying Al Hilal a chance to equalize. The first half ended with Fluminense holding a slender advantage.
As the second half commenced, Al Hilal responded swiftly. In the 51st minute, a corner kick whipped in by Ruben Neves found Kalidou Koulibaly, who headed it down to Marcos Leonardo. Leonardo made no mistake, tapping in the equalizer and leveling the score at 1-1. This goal marked Al Hilal’s first concession in the tournament, adding drama to the tightly contested match.
Fluminense’s tactical adjustments soon paid dividends. At halftime, manager Renato Portaluppi introduced Hércules, who would become the hero of the night. In the 70th minute, Hércules controlled a clever header from Samuel Xavier and calmly finished with a right-footed shot from the center of the box, restoring Fluminense’s lead at 2-1. This goal underscored Hércules’ reputation as a super sub, having previously scored a late winner against Inter Milan in the round of 16.
The remainder of the match was a tense affair, with Al Hilal pushing hard for an equalizer. The Saudi side earned multiple corners in the closing stages, but Fluminense’s defense, led by veteran captain Thiago Silva, held firm. Silva, now 40 years old, expressed immense pride post-match, saying, “I am very happy and proud of my team. It is not easy to play this competition. Arriving in the semifinal, it was too far for me to imagine this moment, but I am very happy with the performance.”
Fluminense’s goalkeeper Fabio made crucial saves, including punching away dangerous crosses and intercepting corners, maintaining composure under pressure. Al Hilal’s Koulibaly was shown a yellow card in stoppage time for an unsportsmanlike dive during a penalty appeal, reflecting the mounting frustration of the visitors.
Fluminense’s manager Renato Portaluppi lauded his players and the passionate Brazilian fans who traveled to Orlando. “We knew it was going to be a difficult game, but I am so pleased with the way my players reacted. I am so happy that we have gone through to the semifinals,” he said. He also praised Hércules for his decisive contribution, “I told him just to keep doing what he has to do. He would have the opportunity to score, and when it came, he took it.”
Social media in Brazil exploded with celebration following the win. Fluminense dominated the top trending topics on platform X, with German Cano leading the buzz, followed by manager Renato Gaucho and Al Hilal. This online fervor mirrored the excitement of fans witnessing their team’s historic run.
The semifinal awaits, with Fluminense set to face either Chelsea or Palmeiras, who were scheduled to battle later the same night in Philadelphia. Captain Thiago Silva acknowledged the challenge ahead: “I will wait for Chelsea, but of course, Palmeiras are a big team as well.”
Fluminense’s journey in the Club World Cup has been remarkable. After finishing second in Group F with two draws and a win, they stunned Champions League finalists Inter Milan with a 2-0 victory in the round of 16. Maintaining their unbeaten streak, the Brazilian side has proven to be a formidable force, blending experienced leadership with clutch performances from key players like Hércules and Martinelli.
Al Hilal, despite their valiant effort and dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Manchester City earlier in the tournament, fell short this time. Missing key players Aleksandar Mitrovic and Salem Al-Dawsari due to injury, they fought valiantly but could not break down Fluminense’s resilient defense.
The match was marked by physicality, tactical battles, and moments of individual brilliance, embodying the spirit of the FIFA Club World Cup. As the tournament progresses, Fluminense’s fairytale run continues to captivate fans worldwide, setting up an enticing semifinal clash that promises more high-stakes football drama.
With the win secured, Fluminense now look ahead to the semifinal showdown at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The stage is set for a captivating encounter that could see the Brazilian side make history in this prestigious global competition.
