Manchester City stamped their authority on Group G of the Club World Cup with a commanding 5-2 victory over Juventus on Thursday, ruthlessly exposing the Italian side’s defensive weaknesses.
Both teams had already secured their places in the knockout stage, but it was City who made a bold statement of intent, finishing the group stage as the only side with a perfect record, three wins from three.
The result sees Pep Guardiola’s men finish three points ahead of Juventus, who now face Group H winners Real Madrid in the next round.
Real booked top spot later that evening with a win over RB Salzburg. City, meanwhile, will face Al Hilal, who saw off Pachuca, in their round of 16 tie.
The English champions wasted no time taking control of the match. Rayan Aït-Nouri, City’s latest acquisition, threaded a sublime pass to Jérémy Doku, who slotted home the opener with composure and precision.
Juventus responded almost immediately. A rare error from City’s goalkeeper Éderson, whose misjudged clearance fell kindly to Teun Koopmeiners, allowed the Dutchman to fire in the equaliser with ease.
However, the Premier League giants were back in front by the 26th minute. Matheus Nunes whipped in a low ball from the right, and under minimal pressure, Juve defender Pierre Kalulu inadvertently turned it into his own net past a stranded Michele Di Gregorio.
Nunes turned provider again minutes later, threading a clever ball through to Erling Haaland, who bundled home from close range to make it 3-1. That goal marked Haaland’s 300th career strike, a milestone reached faster than legends Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, or Kylian Mbappé.
City didn’t let up in the second half. Phil Foden added the fourth, poking home after Savinho redirected a Haaland cross into his path. Savinho then got in on the act himself, lashing a thunderous shot off the crossbar and in, leaving the Juventus defence in tatters.
Dusan Vlahovic managed a late consolation goal for the Italians, but the damage was long done. City march on with confidence, while Juventus face the daunting task of halting Real Madrid’s charge in the next round.
