Man City thrashed Al Ain to secure a place in the Club World Cup's round of 16
City will progress from Group G even if they lose to Juventus on Thursday night
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By JACK GAUGHAN
Published: 23:00 EDT, 22 June 2025 | Updated: 23:03 EDT, 22 June 2025
Manchester City flexed their squad strength at the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday night by thrashing Al Ain 6-0 after making 11 changes to their starting XI.
Ilkay Gundogan netted twice for Pep Guardiola's men, including an aesthetically pleasing fluke of an opener, against the best team from the United Arab Emirates.
Nineteen-year-old Claudio Echeverri scored his first City goal direct from a free-kick, Erling Haaland netted from the penalty spot and Oscar Bobb also found the net.
Rayan Cherki completed the scoring on his debut, but City were still left a little frustrated at full-time. That is because they had needed one more goal to move above Juventus on goal difference.
City are still guaranteed to reach the round of 16, even if they lose to Juventus in their final group game on Thursday.
However, City must beat Juve if they are to finish top of Group G.
More to follow.
Manchester City secured a place in the FIFA Club World Cup's round of 16 by thrashing Al Ain
Rayan Cherki (right), a summer signing from Lyon, was among the scorers on his City debut
Ilkay Gundogan (left) scored two goals in a one-sided game against the UAE's best team
Teenager Claudio Echeverri had a night to remember as he scored his first-ever goal for City
Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland was also on the scoresheet, converting a penalty kick