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Goals, giant Bono, Neves-SMS axis: Keys to Al Hilal making Club World Cup last 16

After two impressive performances against Real Madrid and Red Bull Salzburg, Al Hilal’s fate at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be decided in their third group clash against Mexico’s CF Pachuca.

While the 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in Miami was hailed around the world, there was a sense of frustration after the goalless draw with the Austrians in Washington four days later, with Al Hilal dominating proceedings. However, they were unable to find a way past Salzburg’s stubborn defence.

So, ahead of Friday morning’s early match-up against already-eliminated Pachuca at Geodis Park in Nashville, we look at three key areas for the 2023-24 Roshn Saudi League champions to address if they are to get the three points they need to progress to the last 16 in the US.

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Taking Their Chances

It sounds somewhat obvious, but Al Hilal need to make the most of the periods of dominance they have in the game.

In their two matches thus far, they have combined for a total of 32 shots, of which only six have been on target. Their solitary goal, meanwhile, came from the penalty spot, when Ruben Neves converted to draw the RSL side level with Real Madrid.

Undoubtedly, they have been hit hard by the loss of frontman Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has been sidelined for the duration of the tournament through injury and is will not feature against Pachuca.

Al Hilal forward Malcom reacts to a missed chance at FIFA Club World Cup

It leaves the goalscoring burden to fall primarily on the shoulders of inspirational captain Salem Al Dawsari, or Brazilian duo Marcos Leonardo and Malcom.

Whether new manager Simone Inzaghi looks to rotate his squad after two intense fixtures played in searing heat remains to be seen, with a playmaker of the calibre of Musab Al Juwayr perhaps an option to freshen the attack in the search of much-needed goals.

If Al Hilal can register early, it will release the tension and allow them the freedom to play at their dynamic best, which should hopefully get the goals flowing.

And that could be crucial, because a high-scoring draw between Real Madrid and Salzburg in the other Group H match – it is played simultaneously – means Al Hilal would need to score at least two more goals than their Austrian rivals to progress.

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The Bono Brick Wall

It’s hard to overstate just how important Moroccan shot-stopper Yassine Bono has been for Al Hilal this tournament.

The headline-grabbing moment was the penalty save in the dying minutes to deny Real Madrid all three points – undeserved given Al Hilal’s dominance – in their opening fixture at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

But just as important was his point-blank save to deny John Mellberg early in the second half against Salzburg, a goal that could potentially have changed the tide and outcome of the encounter.

Al Hilal react to Yassine Bono's brilliant penalty stop v Real Madrid in FIFA Club World Cup opener

After the opening two matchdays, Bono had made the joint-most number of saves (11), level with Madrid stopper Thibaut Courtois - and there will no doubt at times against Pachuca he will be called upon again.

The good thing for Inzaghi and Al Hilal is that they have conceded only once, largely thanks to Bono, which should give them ample confidence going into the Group H decider that, no matter what happens, their goalkeeping great will be there the bail them out of trouble.

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Controlling the Engine Room

The central midfield pairing of Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been in imperious form in the opening two matches in the US, helping the Riyadh side control possession and therefore the tempo against their established European opponents.

Against Pachuca, Al Hilal will once more look to assert their dominance, and Neves and Milinkovic-Savic will be the key to doing so.

Neves has shown in two fixtures why he was so highly sought after when he left Wolverhampton Wanderers and the English Premier League for Saudi Arabia - and what a coup it was for Al Hilal to snare him.

Al Hilal's mighty midfield partnership of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (L) and Ruben Neves have been superb at FIFA Club World Cup

Against both Real Madrid and Salzburg, the Portugal international completed the most passes of any player on the pitch.

Those who have watched the RSL during the past two seasons will be familiar with Neves’ work in blue. Now on the world stage, he has let it be known he has lost nothing of the skill and tenacity that made him one of the best midfielders in England’s top flight.

Milinkovic-Savic, meanwhile, has linked up again with Inzaghi, his former coach at Lazio where he played his best football before moving to Al Hilal.

The two have a special relationship, and “SMS” knows exactly what Inzaghi wants and expects from him, with his pressing and determination a particular highlight. In that regard, Milinkovic-Savic is crucial to how Al Hilal stamp their authority on a match, ensuring his team stay on the front foot.

Ally that with his penchant for a goal – he has reached double figures in each of his two seasons in the RSL – and Milinkovic-Savic could help Al Hilal open the floodgates right when it matters most.