Salem Al-Dawsari’s first-half goal set Al Hilal on course for a 2-0 victory over Pachuca, sending the Saudi giants into the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup at Geodis Park in Nashville.

An early strike from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was ruled out for a foul, but Al Hilal broke through in the 22nd minute when Nasser Al-Dawsari played a precise pass for Salem, who calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Sebastian Jurado.

Marcos Leonardo squandered a clear header before half-time, while Pachuca showed brief life after the break, forcing a save from Yassine Bounou.

Yet Al Hilal controlled possession and sealed the win in stoppage time, with Leonardo rounding Jurado to score from Ruben Neves’ through ball.

Al Hilal will now face Manchester City in the quarter-finals, while Pachuca exit the tournament after finishing bottom of their group.