Al-Hilal stuns Man City in Club World Cup upset

Manchester City's Club World Cup campaign ended in stunning fashion as they suffered a shock defeat to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in the last 16. The squad will return to Manchester on Tuesday night, cutting short what was expected to be a deep tournament run.

"We've been on an incredible journey together and were in a good place. The vibe was really positive," manager Pep Guardiola told BBC Sport. "Now we'll rest and prepare mentally for the new season."

Key Takeaways from City's Tournament Performance

The Florida training base initially seemed to revitalize City's struggling squad, but their tournament hopes unraveled against Al-Hilal. Several important observations emerged:

• New signings showed promise: Tijjani Reijnders brought much-needed energy to midfield, while Rayan Cherki contributed a goal and crucial assist
• Defensive concerns remain: Questions persist about Rayan Ait-Nouri's defensive capabilities and the team's lack of pace in central defense
• Positional issues: Matheus Nunes' deployment at right-back was exposed against quality opposition
• Squad decisions loom: John Stones' future appears uncertain after not featuring, while Rodri's fitness remains a concern

Financial Impact of the Tournament

Despite their early exit, City's Club World Cup participation proved financially rewarding:

The club has already recouped significant portions of their summer signings, including £31m for Ait-Nouri and £30.5m for Cherki.

Looking Ahead

The early exit provides City with valuable recovery time before the new season. Having played 61 matches since August - matching their busiest season under Guardiola - the squad now has an opportunity to recharge.

Chelsea remains the only Premier League club still competing, having already surpassed £40m in tournament earnings.