The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup continues to capture the imagination of football fans across the UK, and the recent Group H clash between RB Salzburg and Al Hilal has only heightened the drama. Played at Audi Field in Washington, this match ended in a goalless draw, but the story was anything but dull. Both sides showed flashes of quality and determination, yet neither could find the breakthrough that would have secured their place in the knockout rounds. As a result, Group H remains delicately poised, with everything to play for in the final round of fixtures.
A Tactical Chess Match in Washington
From the opening whistle, Al Hilal set out to control possession, enjoying nearly 62 percent of the ball in the first half. Their intent was clear: dictate the tempo and probe for openings against a Salzburg side known for their youthful energy and pressing game. Al Hilal’s approach paid off in terms of territory and pressure, but the Saudi champions struggled to translate dominance into clear-cut chances, especially with star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic sidelined by injury. His absence was keenly felt, as Al Hilal managed just one shot on target in the first half despite ten attempts.
Salzburg, meanwhile, were content to soak up pressure and look for opportunities on the break. Their defensive discipline was evident, with Jacob Rasmussen making a crucial block to deny Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and then clearing Marcos Leonardo’s follow-up off the line in the 21st minute. The Austrian side’s best first-half chance came when Frans Kratzig’s cross found Karim Onisiwo, whose improvised flick forced a sharp save from Yassine Bounou, Al Hilal’s ever-reliable goalkeeper.
Second Half: Salzburg’s Response and Missed Opportunities
After the break, Salzburg made tactical adjustments that gave them a greater foothold in the contest. Within three minutes of the restart, they came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock. A well-recycled corner saw John Mellberg denied at point-blank range by Bounou, with Kalidou Koulibaly clearing Dorgeles Nene’s rebound off the line. This spell of pressure energised Salzburg, who began to assert themselves and create more chances.
Al Hilal, however, soon regained their composure. Joao Cancelo’s venomous strike was tipped away by Salzburg’s Christian Zawieschitzky, and Malcom saw a deflected effort drift wide. As the match wore on and the heat in Washington reached near 99 degrees, the intensity never flagged. Salzburg’s Yorbe Vertessen fired narrowly wide, while Al Hilal’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic forced another late save from Zawieschitzky.
Goalkeepers and Defenders Take Centre Stage
The match was a showcase for both goalkeepers. Yassine Bounou, named Man of the Match, made five crucial saves to preserve Al Hilal’s clean sheet. On the other end, Zawieschitzky was equally impressive, denying Al Hilal’s creative midfielders and keeping Salzburg in the hunt. Defenders on both sides put in resolute performances, with Salzburg’s disciplined back line and Al Hilal’s experienced centre-backs, including Koulibaly, standing firm under pressure.
Group H: All to Play For
The draw leaves Group H finely balanced. Real Madrid’s earlier 3-1 win over Pachuca means the Spanish giants and Salzburg both sit on four points, with Madrid ahead on goal difference. Al Hilal, with two points from two draws, remain in contention but must defeat Pachuca in their final group game to have any hope of progressing. Salzburg, meanwhile, face a daunting task against Real Madrid in Philadelphia, with Kylian Mbappe expected to return for the Spanish side.
The permutations are simple: Salzburg need a win to guarantee a place in the last 16, while Al Hilal must also secure victory to advance, despite extending their unbeaten run to seven matches. The stakes could not be higher, and both teams will need to find a cutting edge if they are to continue their Club World Cup journey.
What the Managers Said
After the match, Al Hilal’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou reflected on the importance of not losing in such a tight group. “We played today against a very good team. They defended very well, they didn’t give us a lot of space. So it was difficult to find a solution. I think the draw is a very good result to play the third game with options,” Bounou told reporters. Salzburg’s coach Thomas Letsch, meanwhile, praised his young side’s resilience and defensive quality, noting the disappointment in the dressing room but also the achievement of holding a strong Al Hilal team.
Key Players and Tactical Talking Points
For Salzburg, Oscar Gloukh has been a standout performer in the tournament, having scored in their opening win over Pachuca and continuing to impress with his movement and creativity. The Austrian side’s high-pressing 4-3-3 system caused Al Hilal problems in the second half, but their lack of a clinical edge was evident.
Al Hilal, managed by Simone Inzaghi, deployed a 4-1-2-3 formation with a double pivot in midfield. Their ball retention and set-piece threat were notable, but the absence of Mitrovic left them lacking a focal point in attack. The Saudi side’s experience and tactical fouling disrupted Salzburg’s rhythm, but they too will need to sharpen up in front of goal for the decisive group finale.
Conclusion
While the scoreline may have been 0-0, the RB Salzburg vs Al Hilal clash was anything but uneventful. Both teams showed why they are among the best in their respective regions, with tactical discipline, defensive heroics, and moments of attacking promise. As Group H heads into its final round, the drama is set to intensify. For UK fans following the Club World Cup, this group remains one of the most intriguing, with everything still to play for and the prospect of more twists to come.
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