FWC: City run riot in Atlanta as Gundogan, Echeverri thrash Al-Ain 6-0

Ilkay Gundogan scored twice as Manchester City produced a stunning performance to defeat Al-Ain 6-0 and secure a place in the round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup.

The match took place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where the English champions delivered a ruthless display.

Gundogan opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a fortunate goal that saw his attempted cross loop over the goalkeeper. He added a second in the 73rd minute with a clever chip. Claudio Echeverri, who was making his first start for the club, curled in a brilliant free-kick midway through the first half of the encounter.

Erling Haaland made it 3-0 before halftime, converting a penalty after Manuel Akanji was fouled in the box and the referee confirmed the decision through a pitchside monitor review.

In the second half, substitutes Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki completed the rout. Bobb cut inside and fired into the near post in the 84th minute, while Cherki smashed in a low shot five minutes later for his first goal in City colours.

Despite the hot weather in Atlanta, conditions inside the air-conditioned stadium ensured the players were unaffected. City manager Pep Guardiola fielded a completely new starting eleven from their previous win over Wydad AC.

Notably, full debuts were given to Echeverri and new signing Rayan Ait-Nouri, with Bernardo Silva captaining the side.

Echeverri impressed with his creativity and composed finish, while Ait-Nouri’s runs and crosses from the left flank troubled the Al-Ain defence. Al-Ain, who qualified by winning the 2024 Asian Champions League, were outclassed by the reigning European champions and are now eliminated from the competition.

Manchester City will next face Juventus in Orlando in a battle to top Group G. A victory would allow them to avoid a potential clash with the winner of Real Madrid’s group.

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