Milinkovic-Savic Fires Back as Al-Hilal Shock Man City

Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal have sent a thunderous message to Europe after eliminating Manchester City 4-3 in extra-time at the FIFA Club World Cup, and midfield general Sergej Milinkovic-Savic did not miss the chance to clap back at critics who still belittle the Gulf nation’s rapidly growing top flight.

Saudi Pro League Statement Win Rocks Club World Cup

The match in Orlando had been billed as a routine step on City’s path to yet another international trophy. Pep Guardiola’s treble-winners arrived with maximum points from the group phase and a seemingly bottomless bench featuring Erling Haaland, Rodri, Phil Foden and Ruben Dias. Yet from the first whistle Al-Hilal refused to be overawed. Goals from Malcom and Aleksandar Mitrović twice cancelled out strikes by Kevin De Bruyne and Haaland, before Salem Al-Dawsari’s late rocket forced extra-time.

There, a towering Milinkovic-Savic header put the Saudis in front for the first time, and though Julian Álvarez levelled again, Michael’s 118th-minute winner delivered an historic upset and the loudest cheer of the tournament.

Milinkovic-Savic: “Put Some Respect On Our League”

Speaking to Sky Sports moments after the final whistle, the Serbian star was in no mood for diplomatic soundbites. “Let’s see now if they still criticise us,” he said, pointing to victories over Real Madrid, Pachuca and Salzburg earlier in the competition. “People say the Saudi Pro League is just about money, that it is not competitive. Tonight we showed quality, intensity and mentality. Respect is earned on the pitch, and we earned it.”

How Al-Hilal Built a Squad to Challenge Europe

When Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund turbo-charged domestic clubs with strategic investment, sceptics claimed aging stars were chasing one last payday. Al-Hilal’s business model tells a different story. They blended experienced European performers such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves and Milinkovic-Savic with Asian talents who know the region’s heat, tempo and fervent fan culture.

Coach Jorge Jesus insists the project is long-term. “We recruit leaders who improve local players,” he said before the tournament. “The Saudi Pro League is climbing year on year because our young Saudis train daily against world-class professionals.” Performances in Orlando, and last season’s Asian Champions League triumph, back up his claim.

Tactical Masterclass Neutralises Guardiola

Jesus opted for a 4-3-3 that morphed into a 4-5-1 without the ball, blocking central lanes and forcing City into wide areas. Neves shadowed De Bruyne, while Koulibaly and Abdulhamid held a disciplined line that frustrated Haaland for long spells. On the break, the pace of Al-Dawsari and Malcom exposed City’s high back line—just as Milinkovic-Savic predicted. “We knew if we matched their intensity we could hurt them in transition,” he explained.

Numbers Tell the Story

• Possession: City 61% – Al-Hilal 39%
• Shots on target: City 9 – Al-Hilal 8
• Duels won: Al-Hilal 56%
The statistics underline how efficiently the Saudis used the ball; every third attempt tested Ederson, while City needed 20 strikes to find four on frame.

Saudi Pro League Impact Beyond the Pitch

Domestic interest has exploded since the league lured global stars. Average attendances are up 38%, broadcast deals now span 130 territories, and merchandising sales have quadrupled. Crucially, youth academies report record enrolment. “Children no longer dream only of Madrid or Manchester,” says Saudi FA technical director Steve Collis. “They dream of starring in the Saudi Pro League.”

Quarter-Final Showdown with Fluminense

Al-Hilal now prepare for a last-eight battle against Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense. The Brazilians play an electric 4-2-3-1 anchored by André and orchestrated by veteran Marcelo, a familiar face to Milinkovic-Savic from Serie A days. Fitness staff have just 72 hours to recharge legs after the extra-time epic, yet belief inside the Hilali camp could not be higher.

“Beating City gives us confidence but also responsibility,” cautioned Neves. “If we stop here, the statement fades. We want the trophy.”

What the Upset Means for Manchester City

While elimination will sting Guardiola, context matters. The Premier League champions have juggled injuries and a congested pre-season tour. Even so, defensive lapses will concern the Catalan. City conceded from a set-piece, a counter-attack and two crosses—issues that also surfaced last spring. “We were punished for small details,” the coach admitted. “Credit to Al-Hilal; they showed why the Saudi Pro League is improving.”

Financial Muscle vs. Sporting Merit

Critics argue that Saudi spending distorts the market, yet UEFA and FIFA regulations permit such investment so long as clubs balance books. More intriguing is how quickly Saudi sides are translating cash into coherent football. “People thought we were just assembling names,” laughed Milinkovic-Savic. “But money alone never wins a 120-minute fight against City. Team spirit does.”

Can the Gulf League Become a Top Five Competition?

Analysts believe sustained growth could propel the Saudi Pro League into UEFA’s top-five revenue bracket within a decade. Key variables include:
1. Continued government support and infrastructure development.
2. Competitive balance to avoid a PSG-style one-team era.
3. Pathways for homegrown players into starting elevens.

Early signs are promising—six different clubs reached the Asian Champions League quarter-finals last term.

Milinkovic-Savic’s Journey: From Rome to Riyadh

The Serbian left Lazio last summer after eight seasons in Serie A, citing a desire for a fresh challenge. He arrived in Riyadh hungry, not jaded, quickly becoming the heartbeat of Jesus’s midfield. Against City he completed 89% of his passes, won seven aerial duels and covered a tournament-high 14.2 km. “Italy taught me tactics, Riyadh gave me fire,” he smiled.

Player Reactions Around the World

Social media buzzed as footage of Milinkovic-Savic’s post-match interview went viral. Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior tweeted clapping emojis; former teammate Ciro Immobile called the win “a lesson to European arrogance.” Meanwhile Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville admitted: “I underestimated the Saudi Pro League. That performance changes perceptions.”

Opinion: A Turning Point or One-Off Shock?

Al-Hilal’s victory feels monumental, yet history cautions against sweeping conclusions. Leicester’s 2016 Premier League title was hailed as a changing of the guard, but the established elite soon re-asserted dominance. For the Saudi Pro League to convert this scalp into sustained respect, clubs must replicate such performances in continental play and over multiple seasons. Still, football narratives shift on signature nights—and this was undeniably one of them.

Short Verdict

Al-Hilal’s elimination of Manchester City is the clearest evidence yet that the Saudi Pro League has moved from curiosity to credible threat. Money opened the door; tactical acumen, physical conditioning and unshakeable belief kicked it down.