Club World Cup 2025: How Compact Fluminense Outclassed a Rampant Al Hilal | Match Analysis & Breakdown
Fluminense vs Al Hilal was not the Club World Cup 2025 quarter-final clash most fans anticipated. Yet, this encounter turned out to be one of the tournament’s most enthralling showdowns, pitting Brazilian tactical discipline against Saudi Arabian attacking flair. With a semi-final spot at stake, the match showcased everything from brilliant individual performances to strategic brilliance and dramatic momentum swings.
This detailed match analysis focuses on how a compact and composed Fluminense side managed to overcome a dominant Al Hilal, despite being under pressure for most of the game. If you’re looking for a full breakdown of stats, tactics, and match highlights, this article covers everything from start to finish with a focus on Club World Cup 2025 on-page SEO.
High-Stakes Quarter-Final in Orlando
The Club World Cup 2025 match took place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida—a venue brimming with expectation. Both Fluminense and Al Hilal had previously defeated European giants Internazionale and Manchester City respectively, earning their spots in the quarter-finals.
A moment of silence to honor the late Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, was held just before kickoff, creating a poignant atmosphere. From the first whistle, the match exploded into action.
Fluminense and Al Hilal held a moment of silence in memory of Diogo Jota and André Silva.
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) July 4, 2025
João Cancelo and Rúben Neves were visibly moved 💔 pic.twitter.com/wX2QZREZ9c
Al Hilal's Fast Start Meets Fluminense's Resilience
Al Hilal, led by an aggressive game plan, aimed to stretch Fluminense early. They positioned Ruben Neves in a hybrid center-back role, allowing him to act as a deep-lying playmaker, launching passes over the top and through the lines. This tactic became evident within the first five minutes as the Saudis focused on wide play through overlapping full-backs and pacey wingers.
However, Fluminense, marshaled by 40-year-old Thiago Silva, showed immense discipline in defense. Silva’s leadership kept Marcos Leonardo and Malcom contained during the first phase of the game.
The midfield was extremely congested, preventing either team from establishing rhythm. Moteb Al Harbi was heavily involved, winning multiple duels, while Sergej Milinkovic-Savic received the first booking of the night for a tactical foul, slowing down a rare Fluminense break.
Despite Al Hilal’s 70% possession late in the half, they failed to convert their dominance into goals, largely due to a resolute Fluminense backline.
The Press explains how Fluminense tactically contained Al Hilal’s biggest threats. pic.twitter.com/C65Y7LbwEe
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 5, 2025
Matheus Martinelli's Thunderbolt Breaks the Deadlock
With halftime approaching and neither side able to find the net, Matheus Martinelli took center stage. After a poor clearance from Joao Cancelo, the ball fell kindly for Martinelli, who produced a sublime left-footed strike into the top corner. Yassine Bounou, despite his quick reflexes, could do nothing to stop the screamer.
The goal was not just crucial—it was symbolic of how Fluminense remained patient and capitalized on even the slightest mistake.
Fabio's Heroics and VAR Drama
Right after the opener, Al Hilal looked poised to level through Kalidou Koulibaly, who got on the end of a corner, only for veteran keeper Fabio, at 44 years old, to produce a world-class save.
Moments later, Marcos Leonardo was brought down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, further frustrating Al Hilal, who had yet to register a shot on target by halftime.
🔵🔴⚠️ Flick. “I saw the pictures and the decision was wrong, it’s valid goal”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 10, 2024
“It’s very clear, the goal had to be valid”.
“But we have to accept it, we shouldn't blame the referee because we are all human and make mistakes… today was a big mistake”. pic.twitter.com/9s8ae1vOQr
Second-Half Surge: Al Hilal Strike Back
Al Hilal came out of the break with renewed urgency. Renan Lodi saw his shot blocked, and their overall dribble count increased significantly. Ruben Neves tried his luck with a cross-shot, but it was a corner that ultimately gave them their equalizer.
Koulibaly, again involved, headed the ball back across goal, and Marcos Leonardo tapped in from close range to make it 1-1. This was Al Hilal’s third goal within the first 15 minutes of the second half in this tournament, highlighting their tendency to start strong after halftime.
At this point, possession was evenly split (53.7% Al Hilal vs. 46.3% Fluminense), but momentum clearly favored the Saudi side.
51' Marcos Leonardo strikes again! 💥
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 4, 2025
Al-Hilal levels it early in the second half. This one’s far from over! 😤 pic.twitter.com/ecVMCxAFlH
Tactical Chess Match and Hercules’ Heroics
Around the 60th minute mark, the game turned into a chess battle. Every movement and pass was carefully calculated by both sides. Al Hilal’s intensity never waned—they sent in 31 crosses and registered 14 total shots, 8 of which were inside the box.
Despite Al Hilal’s control, they couldn’t break the Brazilians again. And then, in classic football irony, Fluminense struck against the run of play.
Hercules, a second-half substitute, won possession deep in Al Hilal’s half. After a neat one-two with Samuel Xavier, he finished brilliantly to give Fluminense a 2-1 lead with just 20 minutes left. Remarkably, this was the fourth goal by a substitute for Fluminense in the tournament—a testament to their bench strength.
FLUMINENSE ARE THROUGH TO THE CLUB WORLD CUP SEMIFINALS ‼️
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 4, 2025
THEIR INCREDIBLE RUN CONTINUES 🍿 pic.twitter.com/4szbxYgVq5
Defensive Masterclass: How Fluminense Closed the Game
In the final stretch, Fluminense relied on sheer defensive grit. They completed 19 clearances, while Neves and Cancelo, under pressure, lost possession 26 times combined.
Al Hilal threw everything forward, including two late penalty shouts, but both were waved away. Their attacking flair met a brick wall in the form of Fluminense’s compact defensive shape, anchored by Thiago Silva and goalkeeper Fabio.
Fluminense’s passing stats told a story too—just 262 passes attempted by midway through the second half showed how much of the game was spent absorbing pressure rather than controlling it.
Key Match Stats – Fluminense vs Al Hilal, Club World Cup 2025
- Final Score: Fluminense 2-1 Al Hilal
- Goals: Martinelli (40′), Marcos Leonardo (50′), Hercules (70′)
- Possession: Al Hilal – 53.7%, Fluminense – 46.3%
- Shots on Target: Al Hilal – 6, Fluminense – 2
- Crosses: Al Hilal – 31
- Clearances: Fluminense – 19
- Duels Won: Al Hilal – 57%, Fluminense – 43%
Fluminense March Into Club World Cup Semi-Finals
With the win, Fluminense become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the Club World Cup 2025. They await the winner of Chelsea vs Palmeiras, setting up another mouth-watering South American vs European clash.
Though Al Hilal dominated large stretches of the game, they paid the price for not converting chances. Fluminense, on the other hand, demonstrated that tactical discipline, a compact structure, and clinical finishing still triumph over flair and possession.
No wonder Fluminense are in the club world cup semi final
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) July 4, 2025
Listen to how powerful this message is from Thiago Silva
pic.twitter.com/QfdwABLUVF
Final Thoughts: Tactical Masterclass
This quarter-final tie was a brilliant illustration of tournament football’s unpredictable nature. Fluminense’s compact formation, smart substitutions, and defensive unity allowed them to weather the storm and take their chances.
While Al Hilal’s attacking intent was commendable, they lacked the final touch and ultimately succumbed to a Fluminense side who knew exactly how to grind out a result.
Stay tuned for more Club World Cup 2025 coverage, match breakdowns, and tactical analyses as the tournament progresses.
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