ATLANTA - Manchester City marched into the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a commanding 6-0 win over UAE’s Al-Ain, joining Juventus from Group G in the next round. The victory, highlighted by Ilkay Gundogan’s brace and a dominant all-around display, sets up a high-stakes group finale against Juventus to decide the group winner. Pep Guardiola’s side, featuring 11 changes from their previous outing, showed no signs of slowing down. Gundogan opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a looping chip that caught Al-Ain keeper Khalid Eisa off guard. Claudio Etcheverri, making his first start for City, curled a superb free kick past a disorganized wall to double the lead in the 27th minute.
Despite a more spirited showing than in their 5-0 loss to Juventus, Al-Ain were outclassed. Erling Haaland, after squandering two chances, finally found the net from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time for his 32nd goal of the season. The penalty was awarded after VAR spotted Ramy Rabia dragging Manuel Akanji to the ground during a corner. In the second half, City maintained relentless pressure. Gundogan netted his second with a composed finish from Bernardo Silva’s clever assist, all but ending Al-Ain’s hopes. Substitutes Oscar Bobb and new signing Rayan Cherki added late goals to seal the rout. City now face Juventus in Orlando on Thursday to determine who tops the group. Both sides are tied on six points, with identical goal differences. “We controlled the game well. It was a professional display, and every player delivered,” said Gundogan post-match.
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