Controversial Silva Goal Sparks Outrage in Al Hilal vs. Man City Clash
I’m going to walk you through one of the most talked-about moments in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025—one that has left Al Hilal fans furious and stirred debate across global football. The match between Saudi giants Al Hilal and English powerhouse Manchester City was already shaping up to be a thriller, but what happened in the 10th minute turned the game into a firestorm of controversy.
Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva opened the scoring with what, at first glance, seemed like a beautifully orchestrated goal. The cross came in from Rayan Aït-Nouri, but immediately, Al Hilal players protested vigorously. The issue? A clear handball on Aït-Nouri during the buildup to the goal.
The tension in the stadium was palpable. Thousands of Hilal fans erupted in boos and chants as the referee made his way to the VAR screen. But after a brief review, the decision came back: the goal stood. Silva’s goal was deemed legitimate, and play resumed amid whistles and outrage from the crowd.
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Later, former international referee Tawfik Al-Sayed weighed in on the controversy, stating unequivocally that the goal should not have counted. According to him, Aït-Nouri’s handball was clear and intentional, and the VAR should have instructed the referee to review the footage more thoroughly. That didn’t happen, and the decision left a bitter taste for Hilal supporters.
But that wasn’t the only drama surrounding this match. Al Hilal, despite playing a solid game, were already facing challenges. Their star player, Salem Al-Dawsari, was ruled out due to injury, and prolific striker Aleksandar Mitrović remained sidelined. Still, the team showed incredible resilience. They had made it to the Round of 16 by holding Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw, drawing again against Salzburg, and sealing a convincing 2-0 win over Pachuca.
Against Man City, they fought hard, using quick counter-attacks and relying on the brilliance of Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to keep them in the game. Even when decisions went against them, their spirit never faltered. Leonardo, one of the team’s standout performers, nearly found the net with a chipped shot that was cleared off the line—a sign of just how close the margins were in this match.
This match also had high stakes. Advancing to the next round in the Club World Cup means significant financial rewards. Al Hilal’s earnings had already crossed the $21 million mark, and a win would’ve pushed that figure higher. Meanwhile, Man City, with their dominant run so far, were chasing a different kind of glory—global dominance at the club level.
In the end, this wasn’t just a game of goals and tactics—it was a match that exposed the fine line between triumph and controversy. For Al Hilal, it was a reminder that even when you play with heart and discipline, the unpredictable nature of football—and VAR—can flip the script in a matter of seconds.
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