ATLANTA, Georgia (Reuters) – Ilkay Gündoğan scored a brace as Manchester City dominated Al Ain 6-0 on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, securing a place in the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage alongside Juventus from Group G.
The German midfielder struck in the 9th and 73rd minutes, bookending a relentless City performance. Rising Argentine star Claudio Etcheverri added a stylish free-kick goal, while Erling Haaland converted a penalty before halftime.
Second-half substitutes Oscar Bobb and new signing Rayan Cherki rounded off the scoring with goals in the final 10 minutes, capping an emphatic statement win. The victory drew Manchester City level with Juventus on points and goal difference after the Italian giants defeated Wydad Casablanca 4-1 earlier in the day.
City and Juventus will now face off in Orlando on Thursday to determine the Group G winner and favorable seeding in the Round of 16.
Match Highlights:
- ⚽ Gündoğan (9’, 73’)
- ⚽ Etcheverri (free kick)
- ⚽ Haaland (penalty)
- ⚽ Bobb, Cherki (final 10 mins)
City’s clinical performance against Al Ain solidifies their position as one of the tournament favorites as the competition enters its knockout phase.
