Manchester City produced a dominant display to defeat Juventus 5-2 in the heat of Orlando, securing first place in Group G of the Club World Cup. The English champions were relentless, showcasing their superiority in both possession and attacking intent to wrap up the group stage with three wins from three.
Despite an early downpour, Pep Guardiola’s team set the tone and never allowed their opponents to settle. City’s head coach, who has described this competition as the true beginning of the new season, was pleased with the level of performance, praising his players for their intensity and discipline.
Guardiola said he was encouraged by the team’s cohesion and application throughout the match, calling it one of their most complete outings in recent memory. He noted that this kind of display rebuilds belief, which he insists must be earned on the pitch rather than carried over from past success.
Statement made ahead of knockout stage
City, who ended last season without a major honour for the first time in eight years, appeared rejuvenated. The statistics underlined their superiority: 76% possession, 24 efforts on goal compared to Juventus’ five, and a passing count of 738 against just 219.
Knowing that only a win would see them finish top and avoid the side of the draw featuring Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich, City delivered in style. Their reward is a last-16 clash against Al-Hilal, who finished second in Group H. That fixture will take place on Monday in Florida.
Former goalkeeper Shay Given praised the performance, suggesting that City had reasserted themselves as serious contenders. He described it as a powerful reminder of their capabilities and suggested it could mark the start of a strong comeback after last season’s setback.
Guardiola credited his squad’s energy off the ball and highlighted goalkeeper Ederson’s long-range distribution to Erling Haaland as a key element in their attacking play. The manager also stressed the importance of fitness, indicating that having a healthy squad from the outset is central to their success this year.
Rodri returns, Haaland reaches milestone
There was a psychological blow for Juventus even before kick-off as City welcomed Rodri back into the starting lineup for the first time in nine months. The Ballon d’Or winner returned from a knee injury and was composed throughout his 65-minute appearance, making 67 passes and controlling the tempo of play.
Only Ruben Dias had more touches of the ball than Rodri, underlining the midfielder’s influence on City’s control of proceedings. Guardiola was full of praise for the Spaniard, calling him one of the world’s top players and expressing satisfaction with his condition and contribution.
City’s attack continued to fire, with Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden and Savinho all finding the net. The group stage yielded 13 goals for Guardiola’s side, who appear to have rediscovered their clinical edge in front of goal.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland marked the occasion with his 300th senior goal for club and country. The 24-year-old has now scored five in his past six appearances, and Guardiola couldn’t help but offer a tongue-in-cheek comparison to his own modest scoring record as a player.
With key players returning to fitness and performances reaching a high standard, Guardiola and his squad are clearly intent on making the most of their Club World Cup opportunity.
