Manchester City delivered a dominant performance on Thursday night, dismantling Juventus 5-2 to secure top spot in Group G of the FIFA Club World Cup. With both teams already qualified for the knockout stage, Pep Guardiola’s men showed why they remain the tournament favorites, becoming the only side to win all three of their group matches.
From the opening whistle, City made their intentions clear. Rising star Jeremy Doku opened the scoring early with a clinical finish after a beautifully weighted through ball from recent signing Rayan Ait-Nouri sliced through Juventus’ backline. The goal set the tone for what would be a masterclass in attacking football.
Juventus briefly threatened a comeback after capitalizing on a rare error from City goalkeeper Ederson, whose misjudged clearance gifted Teun Koopmeiners the opportunity to smash home the equalizer. But that would be the only high point in an otherwise dismal evening for the Serie A giants.
City quickly regained control, and their second goal came in the 26th minute in bizarre fashion. Matheus Nunes whipped in a low cross from the right, only for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu to turn the ball into his own net under no real pressure, leaving goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio stranded.
Erling Haaland, City’s prolific Norwegian striker, added a third before halftime. Once again, Nunes played the provider, releasing Haaland with a smart through ball. Haaland bundled the ball over the line from close range, notching his second goal of the tournament and continuing his fine form on the global stage.
Read also:
- Ederson shuts down Saudi transfer rumors, declares future with Manchester City
- Manchester City seal £31m deal for Wolves Star Rayan Ait-Nouri in major summer transfer coup
- Erling Haaland slams Manchester City’s season as ‘Terrible’, Eyes FA Cup Redemption at Wembley
Phil Foden made it four midway through the second half. After a powerful run down the flank, Haaland sent a low cross into the area that Savinho cleverly flicked into Foden’s path, and the England international made no mistake from close range.
Savinho then capped the rout in stunning fashion. A loose ball fell to him at the edge of the box and he lashed a thunderous strike off the underside of the bar, sparking wild celebrations among the City faithful.
Juventus managed a late consolation when Dusan Vlahovic fired past Ederson in the 84th minute, but the goal did little to mask the Italian side’s defensive implosion.
City’s emphatic win means they finish three points clear of Juventus and march into the round of 16 brimming with confidence. Guardiola’s side will now await the outcome of Group H to determine their next opponent, but their blistering form makes them the team to beat.
