📊 Key statistical talking points from Al-Hilal's upset win over Man City | OneFootball

In a stunning Round‑of‑16 thriller at the FIFA Club World Cup, underdog outfit Al‑Hilal shocked Manchester City with a 4-3 extra-time win in Orlando.

The clash was defined not only by its twists and turns throughout 120 minutes of action, but also by telling statistical disparities and efficiencies — from possession dominance and shot volume to goalkeeper brilliance and clutch finishing.

Here are the three standout statistical narratives that shaped this unforgettable night for Saudi football.

Possession dominance versus clinical conversion

Man City controlled the tempo throughout the night at Camping World Stadium, registering 69% possession compared to Al‑Hilal’s 31%.

But while City peppered the opposition across spells of constant pressure - 30 total shots, including 14 on target, versus Al‑Hilal’s 17 attempts and 6 on goal - their conversion rate lagged.

For all their shots on the night, Al‑Hilal proved far more clinical and it would ultimately be one of the decisive narratives come full-time, with the Saudi club converting their six efforts on target into four goals.

The data reflects a tale of wasted dominance; numerous opportunities from City were often repelled by a stunning effort from Bono or fluffed for one reason or another, allowing Al‑Hilal to maximize gains from fewer chances.

Impact in goal: Ederson vs Bounou

Shot volume is one thing, but outstanding goalkeeping can tip the scales.

Al‑Hilal’s Yassine Bounou recorded 10 saves — an astonishing total against a Man City side known for its offensive firepower on the night. Meanwhile, Ederson made just two saves.

Bounou's performance was more than a stat—his saves, especially during periods of City domination, frustrated the English giants and kept Al‑Hilal in the game, especially in the opening exchanges when City had a chance to double their lead after Silva's opener.

This glaring disparity in saves played a pivotal role. Bounou's heroics gave his side both the confidence and the opportunity to press on the break and ultimately prevail against the run of play.

Extra-time efficiency

The most decisive actions came in extra time, where Al‑Hilal continued their remarkably efficient use of big opportunities.

In stark contrast, Al‑Hilal would remain clinical when presented with the opportunity to put Ederson through his paces, bagging two goals through Kalidou Koulibaly and Marcos Leonardo, who hit the winner while simultaneously bagging his brace.

City ultimately did pull matters back to 3-3 thanks to substitute Phil Foden, but it would prove futile. It was a classic case of set-piece and situational mastery delivering success where brute control did not.

Simone Inzaghi's famous win over Pep Guardiola was a vivid lesson in football’s unpredictability: dominance in possession and shot volume does not guarantee victory.

Instead, it’s the efficiency of finishing, match-winning goalkeeping, and clinical effectiveness in high-pressure moments that count.

Al‑Hilal’s 4‑3 extra-time upset serves as a statistical case study in punching above one’s weight.

📸 CHANDAN KHANNA - AFP or licensors