The young academy defender delivered a standout performance during the high-profile fixture, seamlessly alternating between a central defensive role during defensive phases and shifting to a wide full-back position in attack. His composure on the ball and confident surging runs anchored Atlético’s build-up play before he found the back of the net just before halftime. Following a chaotic corner kick where the ball remained loose in the area, a touch from Hjulmand teed up Domínguez—affectionately known as ‘Domi’—to finish with the outside of his right boot with clinical precision.
The match showcased manager Diego Pablo Simeone’s flexible tactical setup. Atlético lined up initially in a shape that morphed into a 5-3-2 defensively and restructured into a traditional 4-4-2 in possession. Jan Oblak started in goal, flanked by a backline featuring Domínguez, Robin Le Normand, and David Hancko, with Dani Martínez patrolling the left flank. In midfield, Koke, Hjulmand, and Obed Vargas formed the central engine room, supported by Carlos Martín operating out wide on the right. Up front, Rodrigo Mendoza provided mobility alongside Ademola Lookman, who continuously targeted the space behind City’s defensive line.
Manchester City responded after the interval, turning the match around through goals from Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush. A late strike from Rayan Aït-Nouri in the 90th minute sealed a 3-1 victory for the Premier League side at the Coupang Play Series, ahead of their upcoming Community Shield fixture against Arsenal.
For Atlético de Madrid, the tour of South Korea brought intense local interest, particularly following the acquisition of South Korean star Kang-in Lee. The national hero entered the fray for the final half-hour, inheriting the iconic number 7 shirt from Antoine Griezmann during a mass substitution window where Simeone changed ten players simultaneously, leaving only Dani Martínez on the pitch from the starting XI.
With pre-season preparations winding down, Atlético de Madrid will return to Europe to conclude their summer schedule. The squad is set to face Olympique de Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome on Friday, August 14, before officially opening their LaLiga campaign against Málaga at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday, August 19.
