Manchester City absolutely dominated on Sunday, dismantling Emirati club Al-Ain with a clinical 6-0 victory that secured their spot in the Club World Cup knockout stage from Group G. And guess who's joining them?
It was a masterclass in attacking football from Pep Guardiola's side. Ilkay Gundogan led the charge, bagging a superb brace in the 9th and 73rd minutes, showcasing his evergreen class.
Manager Pep Guardiola's decision to make 11 changes to the squad proved the incredible depth at his disposal. Gundogan, seizing his opportunity, opened the scoring with a cheeky chipped cross that caught Al-Ain keeper Khalid Eisa off guard.
The second half saw City maintain relentless pressure. Haaland, despite Eisa's valiant efforts to deny him twice from close range, continued to be a menace. Ultimately, it was City's substitutes who hammered home the final nails in Al-Ain's coffin, with Bobb and Cherki sealing the emphatic win.
This comprehensive triumph puts City level on goal difference with Juventus. Now, all eyes turn to Thursday's showdown in Orlando where these two footballing titans will battle it out to determine who tops Group G and potentially earns a more favorable draw in the Round of 16. Gundogan summed it up perfectly: "A really good performance... The result speaks for itself, and in the end, fully deserved."
The road to Club World Cup glory is heating up, and Manchester City is definitely one to watch!