Manchester City concluded the group stage of the 2025 Club World Cup in dominant fashion, delivering a commanding 5–2 victory over Juventus to secure top spot in Group G and reinforce their credentials as favourites for the title.
Despite rotating the squad and resting several key players, Pep Guardiola’s side wasted no time asserting control. It took just nine minutes for City to break the deadlock, with Jeremy Doku slotting home after a deft through-ball from left-back Rayan Aït Nouri. The Algerian international’s vision and creativity set the tone for what would become an outstanding performance.
Juventus responded quickly, capitalising on a rare mistake from Ederson to level the score. However, parity was short-lived. Pierre Kalulu turned the ball into his own net under pressure, restoring City’s lead and putting momentum firmly back in the hands of the Premier League champions.
City’s attacking power came to full force in the second half, with substitutes Erling Haaland and Phil Foden making a swift impact. Haaland extended the lead with a well-taken finish before turning provider for Foden, whose composed strike put City 4–1 ahead.
The scoring was capped by Savinho, who launched a powerful effort from distance into the top corner, completing a performance that underlined City’s depth and firepower.
Juventus managed a late consolation through Dusan Vlahović, but the outcome had long been decided. The heavy defeat dealt a blow to the Italian side’s ambitions, though they still progressed to the knockout stages behind the group winners.
At the heart of City’s early dominance was Rayan Aït Nouri, whose 75-minute display from left-back turned heads. Beyond his assist, he created three key opportunities during the first half, including a pinpoint cross for Bernardo Silva and a well-measured delivery that narrowly missed its target at the far post.
He also nearly scored himself, with a curling shot from the edge of the box that was deflected just wide.
The 23-year-old’s intelligence, dribbling and calmness on the ball brought balance to City’s left flank. While he became more subdued in the second half, his contributions were instrumental in setting the tone early on.
He was eventually substituted for Rayan Cherki, having already left his mark on the match.
City finish the group phase with three wins from three, boasting a +11 goal difference after scoring 13 goals and conceding just two. Their previous victories over Wydad AC (2–0) and Al Ain FC (6–0) laid the foundation for what has been an emphatic run so far.
Juventus, despite this setback, secured second place in the group with six points and will advance to the knockout round. However, they will need to regroup quickly after being overwhelmed by City’s precision and pace.
Manchester City now await their next opponent in the round of 16. With a blend of youth and experience firing on all cylinders, the reigning English champions have made it clear they intend to go the distance in the Club World Cup—and with emerging talents like Aït Nouri stepping up, they appear more formidable than ever.
