Washington: On Sunday at Audi Field, Austrian side Salzburg held Al Hilal to a 0-0 draw in their second Group H match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The Saudi club’s result leaves it third in the group with two points, behind Salzburg and Real Madrid, who have four.
Al Hilal, managed by new coach Simone Inzaghi, opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid. The Spanish giants beat Mexico’s Pachuca 3-1, tightening the group standings.
In a match Inzaghi called “decisive,” Al Hilal started strong. Joao Cancelo shot wide in the third minute, followed by a powerful attempt from Salem Al Dawsari that tested Salzburg keeper Christian Tzavischitzky. Salzburg responded as Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved a strong shot from Karim Onisiwo.
In the 22nd minute, Marcos Leonardo nearly scored for Hilal, but Danish defender Jacob Rasmussen made a crucial block. Just after halftime, Salzburg’s John Mellberg forced a save from Bounou, and Dorgeles Nene’s rebound was cleared off the line by Kalidou Koulibaly.
Al Hilal fought back with long-range shots from Cancelo and Ruben Neves. Malcolm missed a golden chance in the 57th minute after linking up with Al Dawsari. Later, Sergej Milinković-Savić and Salzburg’s Yorbe Vertessen had late efforts, the latter clipping the post.
Though Salzburg’s four-match winning streak ended, they remain unbeaten. Al Hilal faces a must-win game against Pachuca on Friday at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Victory is essential. The Saudi side will advance if Madrid or Salzburg win their clash and Hilal defeats Pachuca. A draw between the European teams would still allow Hilal to qualify, but only with a two-goal margin win.
The match reflected both sides’ tactical caution and defensive strength, keeping fans on edge. With passionate support behind them, Al Hilal remains in the hunt, but their margin for error is now gone.
