**_MIAMI_**: Real Madrid laboured to a 1-1 draw against a spirited Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup as Xabi Alonso’s managerial debut for the 15-time European champions delivered only flashes of promise in searing Miami heat at a nearly sold-out Hard Rock Stadium.
Earlier Manchester City beat Wydad Casablanca 2-0
Gonzalo Garcia, stepping in for the fever-stricken Kylian Mbappe, gave Real an early lead with a composed finish, but Ruben Neves levelled from the spot before halftime as Simone Inzaghi’s men showed defensive grit and enough attacking intent to rattle their illustrious opponents.
A last-gasp missed penalty from Federico Valverde summed up a day when Real’s legs, and ideas, wilted in the heat and humidity.
**City cruise in**
Manchester City showcased their impressive squad depth in a 2-0 victory over Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca in the Club World Cup on Wednesday, with manager Pep Guardiola rotating his team and resting key players.
Goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku in the first half were enough to secure City’s win in their Group G opener, as Guardiola handed opportunities to emerging talents and recent signings. Among those who stood out was 21-year-old Frenchman Rayan Cherki, signed from Olympique Lyonnais for 40 million euros ($45.86 million) ahead of the tournament.
The match highlighted City’s squad rebuilding efforts following their first trophyless season since 2016-17. The club invested significantly in the transfer market, adding Cherki and three other players in the summer window prior to the Club World Cup, spending around 110 million pounds ($147.40 million). This followed a busy January window aimed at refreshing Guardiola’s project.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said: “We are pretty pleased with what we saw today from those who played. We have new players; some players played in different positions. Vitor Reis played a really good game. Nathan Ake was several months without playing. We have so many players that we need to give them minutes. Otherwise, they never can get it. The next game, 10 new players are going to be there and try to win the next one.”
“It’s a thin line we are having to deal with, a mix between pre-season with an important competition economically and of course for the prestige to play and win a Club World Cup from teams from all around the world. So mentally, you need to prepare for every game, play better. The target is improving, our level today was OK… So this is what we have to think about. To review how it was and where I have to make a step up.”
Foden and Doku power second-string Man City past Wydad
PHILADELPHIA, June 18 (Reuters) – Manchester City began their Club World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca in their Group G opener on Wednesday, courtesy of first-half goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku.
Manager Pep Guardiola opted to start with several key players on the bench, including Erling Haaland, Rodri, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones for what was a sweltering midday kickoff at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
Despite fielding a second-string side, City needed less than two minutes to break the deadlock.
Phil Foden pounced after Savinho’s cross was parried by Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid, with the England midfielder striking a first-time effort into the net to hand City an early lead.
City doubled their advantage three minutes before halftime when Foden delivered a pinpoint corner and Jeremy Doku caught the Wydad defence napping to volley home at the far post.
City finished with 10 men after Rico Lewis was given a straight red card for a nasty studs-up sliding tackle on Samuel Obeng in the 88th minute.
Wydad, undeterred after conceding the early goal, showed resilience and threatened on the counter-attack and forward Cassius Mailula nearly equalised with an audacious lob from midfield in the 15th minute.
Moments later, Mohamed Moufid set up Thembinkosi Lorch with a low cross, but the South African forward just failed to get there in time with a sliding effort.
City also had chances to extend their lead before halftime. Omar Marmoush saw his strike from the edge of the box sail just wide, while Nathan Ake’s towering header from a corner went inches over the bar.
At the other end, Wydad squandered a golden opportunity in the 30th minute when Vitor Reis’s misplaced pass gifted the ball to Lorch, only for Mailula’s follow-up shot to be smothered by City keeper Ederson.
After City doubled their lead before the break, the second half saw a dramatic drop in tempo under the scorching midday sun, though City went close to adding a third through Rayan Cherki.
The 21-year-old, signed from Olympique Lyonnais for 40 million euros ($46.06 million) ahead of the tournament, unleashed a shot from the edge of the area, only for Benabid to produce a fine save. The Moroccan keeper later denied substitute Haaland with a reflex save in a one-on-one.
City will now turn their attention to Sunday’s clash with United Arab Emirates side Al Ain, while Wydad face Juventus in their next Group G encounter.
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