The "Flu" takes the lead!

Marcos Leonardo equalized the score for Al-Hilal!

FLUMINENSE TAKES THE LEAD WITH A STUNNING GOAL

A minute of silence for Diogo Jota

This is Inzaghi's team

FLU wants to keep dreaming!

This Friday, the Camping World Stadium in Orlando will host the opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals, featuring an unexpected but exciting matchup: Fluminense vs. Al Hilal. Both teams knocked out European giants and are now looking to keep their fairytale runs alive.

The Brazilian side shocked everyone by eliminating Inter Milan—last season’s Champions League runners-up—with a 2-0 win. Goals from Germán Cano and Hércules secured their place in the next round. However, they will be missing key left-back Renê, who is suspended.

Meanwhile, Al Hilal delivered one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by defeating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City 4-3 in an epic extra-time battle. Striker Marcos Leonardo starred with a brace, while Malcom and Kalidou Koulibaly added the decisive goals.

Al Hilal aims to repeat the magic

New manager Simone Inzaghi has quickly made an impact since taking charge of the Saudi club. Despite having been at the helm for just over a month, his tactical ideas are already being executed with precision. With a midfield anchored by Rúben Neves and Sergej Milinković-Savić, lightning-fast wingers like Malcom and Nasser Al Dawsari, and a solid backline led by Koulibaly, Al Hilal is proving they belong among the elite.

The main concern is the fitness of star striker Aleksandar Mitrović, who is nursing an injury. If he doesn’t make it, Marcos Leonardo is expected to lead the line again after his stellar showing against City.

Fluminense leans on experience and heart

Under the guidance of Fernando Diniz, Fluminense has shown grit and composure in a competition that demands top-level performance. Veteran defender Thiago Silva, soon to turn 41, is the cornerstone of a backline that successfully shut down Inter's attack. With a possession-based style and a fearless attitude, the Brazilian side is eager to keep making history.

With a semifinal spot on the line and a potential clash against Palmeiras or Chelsea, the matchup between Fluminense and Al Hilal is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s most thrilling fixtures. Two underdogs that already defeated European powerhouses will now battle for a chance to go even further.