Manchester City gave itself every chance to avoid Real Madrid in the knockout stages of the Club World Cup. The Citizens did not go there with a dead hand to ensure first place in group G against Juventus (5-2), which had also won its first two games. The Turinois have struggled to exist in the face of control and grid of the English field.
Perfectly modeled on the call of Jérémy Doku, the service of Rayan Aït-Nouri allowed the Belgian to crochet his vis-à-vis on his first touch of the ball before adjusting Michele Di Gregorio (9th).
More famous for the quality of his reminders than for his reflexes on his line, Ederson was wrong, a few minutes after the opening of the score. The Brazilian goalkeeper directly served Teun Koopmeiners, who was not asked to equalize (11th).
Fortunately for the last Mancunian bulwark, Pierre Kalulu joined him in his solitude. The French defender of Juve, neo international in early June, was surprised by a center at the second post of Matheus Nunes, which he propelled into his own nets (26th, CSC).
Haaland participates in the party
What reward the domination of the Citizens, often present in number around the opposing repair area. A downpour provided has complicated the task of the 22 players shortly before the end of the first period. Erling Haaland, he was waiting for quietly on the bench. The Norwegian scored a few minutes after entering the game. A ready -made goal offered by Nunes, hyperactive in his right corridor (52nd).
Lucky on the action of its realization, the Scandinavian carried out the bulk of the work on the fourth Mancunian goal scored by Phil Foden (69th). Control while touching it, acceleration, penultimate pass, he delighted Savinho and English, present at the heart of the surface for the conclusion.
Cherki comes into play
The most beautiful work of the evening was also signed by the Brazilian, author of a heavy strike which struck the transverse before returning. After two immaculate successes against the Wydad Casablanca (2-0) and Al-Aïn (6-0), the Skyblues confirmed their dynamics in the face of a more raised opposition. As against the Emiratis, Rayan Cherki entered in the second half. Rodri was back in the eleven for the first time since his serious injury last September.
At the same time, Al-Aïn dominated Casablanca (2-1). Match played for the honor, given that the two teams were eliminated before the kick -off of this third day.
In the knockout stages, Juve risks crossing Real, provided that Madrilenians do not lose against RB Salzburg. Pep Guardiola’s troop will challenge the second in group H.
Worth a look
