By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 27, 2025 00:51 AM • 126 views
Manchester City reminded the footballing world why they remain the benchmark of modern excellence, dismantling Juventus 5-2 in a scintillating Group G finale at the Club World Cup on Thursday. With both teams already assured of their passage to the knockout stage, it was City who turned the evening into a masterclass—sealing the top spot with a third consecutive group win and reaffirming their tag as tournament favourites. Pep Guardiola's men, despite rotating heavily and fielding some fringe names, played with their trademark swagger and tactical fluidity. In contrast, Juventus were left exposed defensively, conceding five and looking fragile against City's relentless forward thrusts.
Doku Sparks the Engine Early
The Premier League champions hit the ground running. Just eight minutes in, summer signing Rayan Aït-Nouri slipped a defence-splitting pass to Jeremy Doku, who timed his run to perfection and slotted past Michele Di Gregorio with clinical ease. The Belgian's composure belied his years—he continues to blossom under Guardiola's watchful eye. Yet, just when City seemed to be in cruise control, a rare lapse invited Juventus back into the match. Goalkeeper Ederson, attempting a risky clearance under pressure, handed possession to Teun Koopmeiners, who gratefully accepted the gift and drove in the equaliser.
Own Goal Turns the Tide
That error only served to jolt City back into focus. In the 26th minute, Matheus Nunes—another player seizing his opportunity—drilled a low cross into the box, which Pierre Kalulu inexplicably turned into his own net. It was the kind of unforced error that summed up Juve's defensive woes on the night.
From that point on, it was City in full throttle. Nunes again played creator, sliding a neat pass into Erling Haaland's path on the counter. The Norwegian, ever the predator, forced the ball home from close range to make it 3-1 before the break.
Foden, Savinho Add the Gloss
City's fourth came in the 69th minute through Phil Foden, who continues to be a vital cog in Guardiola's midfield machine. Savinho, on as a substitute, played provider with a darting run and cross that eventually found Foden in the scramble. The England international made no mistake. Moments later, it was Savinho himself who got on the scoresheet with the goal of the game. A loose clearance fell kindly to him at the edge of the area, and the Brazilian lashed a ferocious strike in off the underside of the bar—an exclamation point on a dominant performance. Dusan Vlahovic managed a late consolation for Juventus, nodding in with six minutes left, but it barely drew a reaction from a crowd that had already witnessed a one-sided affair.
Group Dynamics and the Road Ahe
City's perfect record sees them sail into the last 16 as Group G winners, where they will likely avoid some of the tournament's trickier early tests. Juventus, by contrast, will now brace for a potentially more formidable opponent—the winner of Group H, which could be Real Madrid if they defeat RB Salzburg later tonight. Guardiola's side, often criticised for their slow starts in international competitions, are hitting top gear early. The fluid interplay, squad depth, and ruthless execution on display suggest that they are not just in Orlando to participate—they are here to conquer. And after Thursday's demolition of the Old Lady, few would bet against them doing precisely that.
