Manchester City Smash Al Ain 6–0 to Reach Club World Cup Knockouts
By Wafric - Sport
Wafric News – June 23, 2025
Atlanta, USA - Manchester City made light work of Al Ain on Sunday, hammering the UAE side 6–0 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to move into the knockout rounds of the FIFA Club World Cup.
A brace from Ilkay Gündogan and goals from Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, Claudio Echeverri, and Oscar Bobb powered the English champions to a dominant win. Despite the emphatic result, City boss Pep Guardiola expressed mild frustration his side didn’t find a seventh goal.
“We pushed and pushed,” Guardiola said post-match. “It would’ve been nice to get one more, but I’m pleased with the energy.”
City are now level with Juventus on points and goal difference in Group G, but trail slightly on goals scored — the next tiebreaker. Juve lead with nine goals to City’s eight ahead of a high-stakes clash between the two on Thursday to decide group standings.
Juventus, who beat Wydad 4–1 in their own match, remain favourites to top the group. The Group G winners will face Group H’s runners-up — likely Red Bull Salzburg — while the second-place team faces current leaders Real Madrid.
Guardiola fielded a rotated squad against Al Ain, following City’s 2–0 win over Wydad. New signing Rayan Cherki grabbed his first goal for the club, while youngsters Echeverri and Bobb impressed.
Star midfielder Rodri also made a brief appearance as he continues recovering from an ACL injury. Guardiola confirmed the Spaniard remains under minutes restriction.
“He still struggles in the duels,” the manager admitted. “But today was a big step forward. Any team would miss a player of his quality.”
Elsewhere in the Tournament
In Group H, Real Madrid held off Mexico’s Pachuca 3–1 despite being reduced to 10 men. Salzburg and Al Hilal played to a goalless draw, keeping the group wide open.
As the knockout stage looms, Manchester City now turn their attention to Thursday’s heavyweight bout against Juventus — a match that will determine whether they face European royalty Real Madrid or a potentially more favourable Salzburg in the next round.
Comment
To post a comment, you have to login first
LoginNo Comments Yet...