Fluminense vs Al-Hilal: The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 continues to deliver thrilling upsets, and the upcoming quarter-final clash between Brazil’s Fluminense and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal promises another captivating encounter. Both teams have defied expectations to reach this stage, making this a highly anticipated match.
Fluminense vs Al-Hilal Match Preview
Fluminense: The Copa Libertadores champions, Fluminense, have been a defensive powerhouse in this tournament. They impressed by eliminating European giants Inter Milan with a 2-0 victory in the Round of 16, thanks to early and late goals from Germán Cano and Hércules. Fluminense’s tactical brilliance and relentless energy have been key. They have been particularly strong defensively, keeping clean sheets in five of their last six matches across all competitions and only conceding once in the Club World Cup (excluding a brief period against Ulsan). Their ability to score after the 75th minute also highlights their resilience and late-game impact. Veteran striker Germán Cano, despite a recent knee injury, is in prolific form and will be crucial for their attack.
Al-Hilal: Al-Hilal has been one of the biggest surprises of the tournament, pulling off a stunning 4-3 extra-time victory over defending Club World Cup champions Manchester City in the Round of 16. This historic win showcased their attacking prowess, with goals from Marcos Leonardo and Kalidou Koulibaly. Managed by Simone Inzaghi, Al-Hilal has demonstrated that they have fast, intense players capable of challenging top-tier opposition. While they lost to Flamengo in the 2019 Club World Cup, they avenged that defeat in 2022 against the same opposition, showing their ability to learn and adapt. They will be looking to continue their giant-killing run and secure a spot in the semi-finals. Aleksandar Mitrović is still sidelined with injury, but Marcos Leonardo has stepped up impressively in his absence.
Head-to-Head: This will be the first-ever meeting between Fluminense and Al-Hilal, adding another layer of intrigue to this quarter-final clash.
Fluminense vs Al-Hilal Fantasy Tips
Key Players to Watch:
Fluminense: Germán Cano (striker, prolific scorer), Jhon Arias (attacking threat), Kevin Serna (has scored in previous games), Thiago Silva (experienced defender).
Al-Hilal: Marcos Leonardo (impressive goals against Man City), Sergej Milinković-Savić (midfield general), Rúben Neves (midfield presence), Kalidou Koulibaly (scored against Man City).
Goal-scoring potential: Both teams have shown they can score, especially Al-Hilal’s recent offensive explosion. However, Fluminense’s strong defense might make it a tighter affair. Consider players from both sides who have demonstrated goal-scoring form.
Midfield Battle: The midfield battle will be crucial. Players like Sergej Milinković-Savić (Al-Hilal) and Matheus Martinelli (Fluminense) could be key in controlling the tempo and creating chances.
Fluminense vs Al-Hilal Dream11 Prediction
Considering Al-Hilal’s sensational win over Manchester City and their attacking firepower, they might have a slight edge, but Fluminense’s defensive solidity makes them a tough opponent. This could be a tight game, potentially decided by a moment of brilliance or an error.
Our Prediction: Al-Hilal to narrowly win, possibly by a 2-1 scoreline, or even after extra time. They have demonstrated an incredible fighting spirit and the ability to find goals against strong opposition.
Fluminense vs Al-Hilal Dream11 Team
Goalkeeper: Fábio (FLU)
Defenders: Thiago Silva (FLU), Renan (FLU), Ali Al-Bulayhi (HIL)
Midfielders: Jhon Arias (FLU), Sergej Milinković-Savić (HIL) (VC), Rúben Neves (HIL), André (FLU)
Forwards: Germán Cano (FLU) (C), Marcos Leonardo (HIL), Malcom (HIL)
