Bounou made incredible saves to deny Man City in FIFA Club World Cup – Guardiola

Pep Guardiola attributed Manchester City’s 4-3 extra-time loss to Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday to a series of brilliant saves by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

The Moroccan shot-stopper was in inspired form as Al Hilal eliminated the Premier League giants in the Round of 16.

In a post-match interview, Guardiola said he could not fault his players as they tried their best, but Bounou made crucial saves.

“At this stage, they are all difficult games,” he told City media. “We allowed them to create transitions but we created a lot and in general we were good.

“It’s a pity. We were in such a good place and I cannot say thank you enough to the staff, how they train and prepare, they have given everything. We made a lot of actions and Bounou made incredible saves. Nothing else to say.”

Skipper Bernardo Silva gave City the lead nine minutes into the game before the Saudi Pro League champions responded with two goals from Santos Almeida in the opening seven minutes of the second half.

Erling Haaland’s equaliser took the game to extra time, where Al-Hilal then scored twice through Silva de Oliveira and Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, either side of Phil Foden’s 100th City goal. The Premier League side had many chances to add more goals, but Bounou did well between the sticks.

Al Hilal and their African stars delivered a statement that their league is not as weak as suggested in some quarters. The defeat confirmed Al Hilal’s progress to the quarter-finals, and City’s elimination – meaning their season will be virtually empty-handed.

Al Hilal and their African stars sent a strong message that the Saudi league is not as weak as some have suggested. Their victory sealed a place in the quarter-finals, while confirming Manchester City’s elimination – leaving the English side virtually empty-handed at the end of their season.