Man City Send Shockwaves Through Club World Cup With Juventus Thrashing
What a night it was for Manchester City fans — if there were any doubts about City’s hunger this season, they’ve been well and truly silenced. In a sizzling showdown at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Pep Guardiola’s side dismantled Juventus 5-2 in what was arguably one of their most complete performances in recent memory. It wasn’t just a win — it was a message. A message to every contender at the Club World Cup: Manchester City are back.
Despite the sweltering conditions, City came out flying. Jeremy Doku got the ball rolling early, and the momentum never let up. From the opening whistle, the intent was clear — dominate possession, press hard, and suffocate Juventus out of the game. Even a brief scare when Teun Koopmeiners equalized couldn’t shake them. A slice of misfortune for Juve — in the form of a comical own goal by Pierre Kalulu — restored City’s lead, and from there, it was one-way traffic.
Pep Guardiola made headlines not only with the result, but also with his tactics and squad rotation. Erling Haaland, who started on the bench, came on to net his 300th career goal — at just 24 years old, no less. He didn’t stop there. Haaland turned provider for Phil Foden, who was electric throughout, and Savinho capped things off with a thunderous strike to seal the rout.
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But beyond the scoreline, this game signified something deeper. After a season of stumbles and a third-place Premier League finish last term, City are reclaiming their identity. Guardiola himself said, “It’s been a long, long time since we played like that.” And it showed — 76% possession, 738 passes, and a relentless high press that Juventus simply couldn't cope with.
Perhaps most important of all was the return of Rodri. Making his first start in nine months, he was a calming force in midfield, linking play and dictating tempo like he’d never been away. It’s no coincidence that with Rodri back, City look in control again. Guardiola called him one of the best in the world, and after watching him dictate the rhythm for 65 minutes, it’s hard to argue.
Juventus, a 36-time Serie A champion, looked rattled even before kick-off, and understandably so. The reigning Ballon d'Or winner Rodri on the team sheet, Doku firing on all cylinders, and Haaland ready to come off the bench — this was a daunting prospect. And for all their history, Juve simply had no answers.
Now City move forward into the last 16, having avoided the tougher side of the draw — with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich lying in wait on the opposite bracket. A clash with Real Madrid could loom, but with this kind of performance, Guardiola’s men won’t fear anyone.
They’ve laid down the marker. The swagger, the sharpness, the sheer firepower — it’s all back. City look more than ready to chase global glory. And if they keep playing like this, they may well be lifting that trophy come tournament’s end.
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