By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 23, 2025 04:04 AM • 159 views
ATLANTA, Georgia, June 22 — Ilkay Gündogan bagged a classy brace, and Manchester City's second-string side ruthlessly flexed their muscle, thrashing UAE's Al-Ain 6-0 on Sunday to secure a spot in the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup alongside Juventus from Group G. On a hot Southern night, Pep Guardiola's heavily rotated XI barely broke a sweat, putting in a performance that was both clinical and commanding. With 11 changes from their previous outing, City still managed to dismantle an overmatched Al-Ain side that has now conceded 11 goals in two matches. The result puts City level on points and goal difference with Juventus — both with +7 margins — setting up a blockbuster group finale in Orlando on Thursday to determine who tops the group.
Gündogan Leads, City Glide
City's dominance began early, and it came from the captain himself. Gündogan opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a teasing chipped ball — more cross than shot — that floated over keeper Khalid Eisa and dipped under the bar. The German midfielder, restored to the starting XI as Guardiola shuffled his deck, was the heartbeat of a City midfield that never looked threatened. His second goal in the 73rd minute, a deft first touch followed by a calm lift over the keeper, extinguished any faint hopes Al-Ain had of a response. "We controlled the tempo well," Gündogan said post-match. "Even with all the changes, the system and understanding remain the same. That's the strength of this group."
Etcheverri Impresses on Debut
Teenage Argentine playmaker Claudio Etcheverri made his first City start and wasted little time in making his presence felt. In the 27th minute, he curled a free kick around a poorly constructed wall, beating a flat-footed Eisa to double City's lead.
The 18-year-old looked composed and inventive throughout, and his creative spark is likely to give Guardiola more selection headaches — of the best kind — going forward.
Haaland on the Spot Again
Erling Haaland had an unusually wasteful night by his own standards. He missed two clear chances in open play before finally converting from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time after Manuel Akanji was wrestled down by Ramy Rabia during a corner. After VAR intervention, Haaland stepped up with his usual cold-blooded composure to slot home his 32nd goal of the season. He could've added more but was twice denied by Eisa in the second half, with the Emirati keeper producing rare moments of resistance.
Bobb and Cherki Finish the Job
City's relentless pace and depth overwhelmed Al-Ain in the final 10 minutes. Oscar Bobb, cutting inside onto his left foot, beat Eisa at the near post with a low, driven finish in the 82nd minute. And new signing Rayan Cherki — a product of Lyon's famed academy — marked his tournament debut with a peach of a strike from the edge of the box, putting the final touch on a six-goal masterclass.
All Eyes on Orlando
City and Juventus are both safely through, but Thursday's clash in Orlando promises to be a heavyweight showdown. The winner takes the top spot in Group G and, potentially, a more favourable path in the knockouts. For City, it's another reminder that their second string could walk into most starting elevens in the world. For Guardiola, it's another chess piece perfectly moved. And for the rest of the tournament? A warning shot, loud and clear.
