Pep Guardiola expressed disappointment following Manchester City's elimination from the Club World Cup, acknowledging defensive frailties that proved costly against Al-Hilal.
"We regret a little bit that we allowed them to run a bit more. They defended so deep, the wingers were so quick and Bounou made a lot of saves," the City manager said.
"In the end, we have to score and be clinical. They arrived more in the transitions. They did not create much in the first half, but we did but could not finish it."
The Spanish tactician paid particular tribute to Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou's display, adding: "We created a lot and (Yassine) Bounou made incredible saves but we were so open."
Phil Foden levelled the game for City in extra-time but it wasn't enough
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Manchester City suffered a crushing 4-3 defeat to Al-Hilal after extra time in the Club World Cup, despite taking the lead on three separate occasions.
The Premier League champions were eliminated in dramatic fashion when Marcos Leonardo netted his second goal of the match in the 112th minute, securing a famous victory for the 2021 AFC Champions League winners.
City had appeared in control at various stages, with goals from Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden putting them ahead at different points throughout the encounter.
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However, defensive lapses allowed Al-Hilal to repeatedly fight back, ultimately resulting in City's exit from the tournament in heartbreaking circumstances.
The match began with City asserting their dominance early on. Bernardo Silva swept home from close range within nine minutes, though Al-Hilal players protested that Rayan Ait-Nouri had handled the ball during the build-up.
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The Saudi side were elated as they progress to the quarter-finals
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The Saudi side struggled to create opportunities in the opening period but transformed the match immediately after the interval. Just 44 seconds into the second half, Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo headed in the equaliser.
The momentum shifted dramatically when former Barcelona player Malcom ran clear to slot home coolly in the 52nd minute, stunning City with Al-Hilal's first lead.
Erling Haaland responded almost immediately, prodding in from a corner three minutes later to level the scores at 2-2.
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The contest continued into extra time where the drama intensified. Former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly powered in a header in the 94th minute, seemingly securing victory for Al-Hilal.
Yet City refused to surrender. Substitute Phil Foden squeezed home a volley from an acute angle in the 104th minute, breathing life back into their campaign.
Manchester City now have six weeks to prepare for the start of the new Premier League season
Reuters
The decisive blow came eight minutes from the end when Marcos Leonardo struck again, converting at the back post for his second goal of the night in the 112th minute.
Guardiola reflected on the painful exit: "It is a pity. We have been on an incredible journey together and were in a good place. The vibe was really good."
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