On a sweltering Sunday evening at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., RB Salzburg and Al Hilal clashed in a high-stakes Group H match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The encounter, marked by intense possession battles and remarkable goalkeeping, ended in a goalless draw, leaving both teams with much to ponder as they eye progression to the knockout stages.
RB Salzburg, the dominant force in Austrian football with 17 Bundesliga titles, entered the match buoyed by a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Pachuca in their opening fixture. Young midfielder Oscar Gloukh, who scored in that opener, was a player to watch as Salzburg sought to maintain their lead atop Group H. Meanwhile, Al Hilal, a powerhouse from the Saudi Pro League boasting 19 league titles and a strong Club World Cup pedigree—including three semi-final appearances and a runner-up finish in 2022—were eager to capitalize on their momentum after a resilient 1-1 draw against the tournament favorites, Real Madrid.
The stage was set for a compelling first meeting between these two clubs. Salzburg fielded a lineup including goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky, defenders Jacob Rasmussen and Stefan Lainer, and forwards Karim Onisiwo and Petar Ratkov. Al Hilal, under the stewardship of Simone Inzaghi, one of the highest-paid managers globally, deployed a squad featuring Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bono, defender Kalidou Koulibaly, and creative forces like Ruben Neves and Salem Al-Dawsari.
The match kicked off under the watchful eye of Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio, with the temperature feeling close to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Early on, Al Hilal asserted possession dominance, controlling 57% of the ball by the hour mark, probing Salzburg’s defensive lines with patience and precision. The Saudi side’s approach was characterized by slick passing and territorial control, but they struggled to find the incisiveness needed to break through Salzburg’s disciplined defensive setup.
Salzburg, though less dominant in possession, created some of the clearest chances. In the ninth minute, Frans Kratzig launched a long overhead ball to Karim Onisiwo, who executed a deft flick towards goal, only to be denied by Bono’s sharp reflexes. Bono, already a standout performer having saved a penalty from Fede Valverde against Real Madrid, was again the hero for Al Hilal. He made five crucial saves throughout the match, including a spectacular one-handed stop on an awkward shot from Salzburg’s Soumaila Diabate and a vital block with his left arm to deny John Mellberg point-blank in the 48th minute.
Salzburg’s defensive resilience was further exemplified when Jacob Rasmussen cleared a dangerous right-footed shot from Marcos Leonardo off the goal line in the 21st minute. The Austrian side’s goalkeeper, Christian Zawieschitzky, was equally composed, tallying four saves and maintaining clean sheets under mounting pressure.
The match’s intensity was palpable, with physicality and tactical discipline on full display. Salzburg’s Soumaila Diabate received a yellow card for a robust challenge, while newcomer Sota Kitano was also cautioned later for dangerous play. Al Hilal’s best moments came from set pieces and quick transitions, with Malcom nearly scoring in the 81st minute when his powerful shot narrowly missed the left post. Despite these efforts, the final third lacked the clinical edge required to convert possession into goals.
The match featured a rehydration break due to the oppressive heat, underscoring the physical demands on both teams. Six minutes of added time were played at the end, with both sides pushing for a decisive breakthrough. Al Hilal’s late surge included a contentious penalty appeal in the 59th minute, which was waved off by the referee, and a Salzburg offside call shortly after, preserving the deadlock.
With the draw, RB Salzburg remain second in Group H on goal differential behind Real Madrid, who hold a slight advantage by one goal. Salzburg will face Real Madrid in a crucial final group match in Philadelphia on June 26, while Al Hilal must defeat Pachuca and hope for a Salzburg slip to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Simone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal, despite dominating possession and space, were ultimately undone by a lack of depth in attack and the outstanding goalkeeping of Bono, who continues to cement his reputation as one of the tournament’s best players. Salzburg, meanwhile, showcased tactical discipline and resilience, with key contributions from Gloukh and Onisiwo, but were unable to capitalize on their chances.
This goalless draw, while leaving both teams with work to do, highlighted the competitive balance in Group H and set the stage for an electrifying conclusion to the group phase. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the showdown between Salzburg and Real Madrid, a match that could determine who advances to the knockout rounds of this transformative Club World Cup edition.
