Fluminense became the first team to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al Hilal.
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In a tightly contested match, Fluminense struck first just before half-time through Matheus Martinelli, whose clinical finish into the top-right corner gave the Brazilians the lead despite limited chances. It was their only shot on target in the first half, yet enough to swing momentum heading into the break.
Al Hilal responded swiftly after the restart. A corner in the 51st minute saw Kalidou Koulibaly rise to nod the ball down into the path of Marcos Leonardo, who tapped home the equaliser from close range. The goal breathed life into the Saudi side, who began to control the tempo and looked the more threatening of the two.
However, Fluminense struck again. In the 70th minute, half-time substitute Hercules latched onto a header from Samuel Xavier and fired a composed low shot into the bottom-left corner, restoring the Brazilian side’s advantage.
Despite enjoying over 70% of possession in the final 15 minutes, Al Hilal were unable to break down Fluminense’s defense.
The Rio de Janeiro club held firm under heavy pressure to seal their place in the final four, where they will face the winner of the quarter-final between Palmeiras and Chelsea.