Chelsea stars react to Kalidou Koulibaly’s message after Man City’s surprise exit
Kalidou Koulibaly led Al-Hilal to a famous victory in the Club World Cup against Man City which could also be good news for Chelsea’s prospects.
FIFA’s new summer tournament has been derided from all corners for various off-field issues, including by Enzo Maresca after Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Benfica was disrupted for two hours by adverse weather.
Maresca’s side overcame that delay to reach the Club World Cup quarter-finals with a three-goal spree in extra time, and ex-Chelsea defender Koulibaly was also involved in a clash which went the distance.
Al-Hilal will join Chelsea in the last eight after they produced arguably the shock of the tournament so far, as the Blues’ Premier League rivals Man City were sent packing with an end-to-end 4-3 loss.
Koulibaly sends ‘spirit’ message after massive Man City shock
Unlike Chelsea, Man City had been flawless in the group stages of the Club World Cup and qualified for the last 16 with three wins and 13 goals scored, only for that progress to come unstuck against Al-Hilal.
The Saudi Pro League side hit back from an early opener to take a 2-1 lead within seven minutes of the second half, and responded to Erling Haaland’s equaliser with two more hammer blows in extra time.
Koulibaly rose above some of the world’s best players to head Al-Hilal 3-2 in front early on in the added half-hour, and Marcos Leonardo’s second goal of the match sealed the win eight minutes from full-time.
After the match, Koulibaly posted on Instagram (1 July) to acknowledge the “Hilal Spirit” which secured a famous victory, and his former Chelsea team-mate Reece James was one of several stars to leave a like.
Man City defeat leaves Club World Cup path clear for Chelsea
Football Insider Verdict
Chelsea and Man City’s involvement in the Club World Cup may have prolonged two already lengthy seasons, but the latter’s exit leaves Chelsea in a strong position to claim a windfall of over £90million.
Fluminense’s 2-0 victory over Champions League runners-up Inter had already turned plenty of heads on Monday, and Chelsea will certainly fancy their chances with two big-hitters dumped out early on.
A quarter-final clash with Palmeiras is next up for the Blues, and with Brazilian striker Joao Pedro on his way to Chelsea with the last eight in sight, Maresca’s side are only growing stronger in their bid to go all the way.