European powerhouses have come alive at the FIFA Club World Cup, as Manchester City sent a thunderous message with a commanding 5-2 victory over Juventus, wrapping up Group G with three wins, and not a single question mark.
Despite the heavy defeat, Juventus still progressed to the knockout stage thanks to earlier wins over Al-Ain and Wydad.
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In Group H, Real Madrid cruised to a group-sealing win against Salzburg, while Al Hilal edged Pachuca with an early goal and a rock-solid defence to clinch the second qualifying spot.
Manchester City maul Juventus to top Group G
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Manchester City put on a ruthless display of power, dismantling Juventus 5-2 to close out a flawless Group G campaign; three wins, 13 goals, and absolutely no doubt.
City set the tone early. Jérémy Doku opened the scoring in the 9th minute, only for Juve’s Teun Koopmeiners to respond almost instantly in the 11th. But the Premier League giants took a 2-1 lead into the break thanks to an own goal from Pierre Kalulu in the 26th.
After halftime, it was a full-throttle City assault. Erling Haaland struck in the 52nd minute before Phil Foden added a classy finish in the 69th. Savinho joined the party with a fifth goal in the 75th, capping a masterclass in attacking football. Juventus managed a late consolation through Dušan Vlahović, but the damage had been done.
City, Group G’s undisputed leaders, now look ahead to a Round of 16 clash with Al Hilal on Monday in Orlando.
Real Madrid dispatch Salzburg with ease
Real Madrid rolled through RB Salzburg to clinch Group H, finishing with a statement 3-0 win. It was vintage fluidity from the Spanish giants; Jude Bellingham threading a sublime assist to Vinícius Jr. for the opener, before another slicing run from Bellingham led to Viní Jr. setting up Federico Valverde for a tap-in.
Madrid didn’t take their foot off the gas in the second half. Gonzalo Garcia added a third late in the 84th minute to seal the deal. With this win, Real lines up a spicy quarterfinal meeting against Juventus on Tuesday in Miami.
Al Hilal edge Pachuca to advance
Pachuca’s Club World Cup dream unravelled early; and spectacularly. Salem Al-Dawsari’s delightful lob over keeper Sebastian Roca in the 22nd minute was the highlight of a tight affair, showcasing incredible vision from Nasser Al Dawsari in the build-up.
Despite Pachuca’s push, Al Hilal stayed compact and lethal on the counter. Marcos Leonardo’s stoppage-time strike slammed the door shut, sending the Saudi giants into the Round of 16 where they’ll meet Manchester City.
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Al Ain flip the script on Wydad
Wydad looked like early spoilers after Cassius Mailulu scored in the 4th minute. But Al Ain turned the tide. Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba calmly slotted home a penalty right before the break, and Alejandro Romero followed up five minutes into the second half to complete the comeback.
Both teams bowed out, but Al Ain left with heads held high after a gritty showing in their final game.
Club World Cup Round of 16 schedule
Saturday, 28 June
Palmeiras vs. Botafogo
SL Benfica vs. Chelsea FC
Sunday, 29 June
PSG vs. Inter Miami
Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich
Monday, 30 June
Inter Milan vs. Fluminense
Manchester City vs. Al Hilal
Tuesday, 1 July
Real Madrid vs. Juventus
Dortmund vs. Monterrey
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