Erling Haaland scored his 300th top-level career goal as Manchester City defeated Juventus 5-2 in a decisive final group stage match at the FIFA Club World Cup on Thursday.
The victory, secured in hot and humid conditions in Orlando, ensures the Premier League side finishes top of Group G, allowing them to avoid a potential early knockout-stage clash with European champions Paris St-Germain or Bayern Munich.
City took the lead inside the first 10 minutes when Jeremy Doku coolly slotted home after being played in by Rayan Ait-Nouri. However, Juventus responded almost immediately, with Teun Koopmeiners capitalising on a loose pass from City goalkeeper Ederson to equalise.
Pep Guardiola’s side regained the lead through a comical own goal, as Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu inexplicably turned a low Matheus Nunes cross into his own net without a City player nearby.
Haaland, who came on as a halftime substitute, reached his personal milestone to make it 3-1, bundling the ball home from a Nunes pass. Phil Foden added a fourth with a close-range finish before Brazilian winger Savinho scored a sensational fifth for City. Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic scored a late consolation goal for the Italian side.
The match also marked a significant step for City’s Rodri. The Spanish midfielder and reigning Ballon d’Or winner made his first start since suffering a serious knee injury in September, playing 65 minutes and controlling the tempo of the game.
The result confirms Manchester City’s flawless record in the group stage with three wins from three games. They will remain in Orlando for their round-of-16 tie on Monday, where they will face the runner-up from Group H, which could be Real Madrid, Al-Hilal, or Red Bull Salzburg.
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