Fluminense triumphs over Al‑Hilal to advance to semis

Fluminense edged past Al‑Hilal 2–1 in Orlando to reach the semifinals, delivering a tense and tightly contested quarter-final where composure, timing, and a late winner made all the difference.

Fluminense took control early at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, opening scoring mid-first half through a well-worked team move that unlocked Al‑Hilal’s defense. Al‑Hilal fought back and equalized around the hour mark via Mohamed Kanno, forcing tension. Late in the second half, Fluminense reasserted themselves with a second goal, sealing the win and a spot in the semis.

Fluminense’s opening goal came from fluid play down the left: with quick passing and incisive movement drawing defenders out of position. Marcus Leonardo finished sharply in the box to give the Brazilians a lead. Al‑Hilal responded shortly after the break, and their Champions League-proven quality paid off when Kanno curled a high finish to level things.

With the game balanced, the decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute: Hércules broke free on the counter, punished a stretched Al‑Hilal defense, and slotted home the winner, promptly setting the stadium alight.

The final minutes were scrappy and tense. Fluminense dropped behind the ball, soaked up pressure, and defended heroically, remaining organized and composed under Al‑Hilal’s onslaught. Fluminense’s win embodies their belief and balance. No flash, just discipline and clinical moments. They’ll meet Chelsea next, and with form like that, they’re no walkover.