Heading into Thursday afternoon’s game, Manchester City needed to win their final group stage match versus Juventus to finish top of Group G. Both teams won their opening two matches and secured maximum points. With Juventus boasting a better goal difference, a draw or loss would see City fall into 2nd place and have to face off against Group H winners Real Madrid in the Round of 16.
After playing two completely different starting lineups in their opening two group stage matches, many expected a strong starting 11 for the City’s final group stage game. The most notable aspects of the starting lineup were the inclusion of Rodri, his first start since returning from his ACL injury, and the omission of star striker Erling Haaland.
Momentum started early for the Cityzens, with a great combination play on the left flank between Jeremy Doku and Rayan Ait-Nouri. In his second appearance for the club, Ait-Nouri showed the type of advanced role he will be playing in Pep Guardiola’s system. His technical ability on the ball offers a lot going forward, and his presence up the pitch opened space for Doku to score his opener. This quick 9th minute was almost immediately cancelled out by Teun Koopmeiners, who capitalized on a poor pass from Ederson. It was a disappointing moment for the English side, as their quick advantage was dismantled by a poor mistake from the Brazilian goalkeeper.
The pace of the match favored City, as the team retained possession well and moved the ball at a much faster rate compared to the football played throughout this season. Through three games in the Club World Cup, it has become clear that Pep wants his men to play faster. Manchester City restored the lead later in the half following a comical own goal from defender Pierre Kalulu.
Heading into the break, City would have hoped to have widened the gap more, considering the domination of possession and chances. Haaland was subbed on at halftime for Omar Marmoush and instantly made his impact after finishing a big chance created by Matheus Nunes for the team’s third goal. Phil Foden, another second-half substitute, added to the tally after an easy chance was created through great team play from Haaland and a simple assist from Savinho. The Brazilian winger added City’s fifth and final goal of the match with a stellar long-range effort on his weak foot. The game’s final set of action came from Dusan Vlahovic adding a late consolation for Juventus in the 84th minute.
With their victory, City will face off against Group H runner-up, Al-Hilal, on Monday, June 30th, at 9:00 EST. Al-Hilal has played sufficiently in this tournament, not losing a game and securing points against European opposition such as Real Madrid and Red Bull Salzburg. The Saudi Arabian side finished their group play strongly, as they defeated Mexican side Pachuca. The 2021 AFC Champions League winners host several players with European pedigree, and it will not be a breeze for the Sky Blues in this Round of 16 matchup. A win on Monday would see City face off against the winner of the Inter Milan-Fluminense match on July 4th.
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