Ilkay Gundogan scored twice as Manchester City cruised past United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain to secure a place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup. Pep Guardiola’s team followed up their opening victory over Wydad AC with a commanding performance, but will still need to beat Juventus to finish top of Group G and avoid a clash with the winners of Real Madrid’s group.
City opened the scoring just eight minutes in when Gundogan’s attempted cross looped over the goalkeeper and into the net. The German midfielder later added a second with a composed chip in the second half. Claudio Echeverri, making his first start, curled in a brilliant free-kick from the edge of the box, while Josko Gvardiol struck the post with a powerful header as City dominated early proceedings.
The Premier League champions extended their lead before the break when Erling Haaland converted from the penalty spot after Ramy Rabia fouled Manuel Akanji. The referee awarded the spot-kick after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.
In the second half, substitutes Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki added to the tally. Bobb cut inside and fired past the goalkeeper at the near post, while Cherki netted his first goal for City with a low, driven finish late on.
Al-Ain, who qualified for the tournament by winning the 2024 Asian Champions League under former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo, are now managed by ex-Watford boss Vladimir Ivic. Despite their credentials, they were thoroughly outclassed.
The match was played at a closed, air-conditioned stadium in Atlanta, where the 31°C heat and humidity outside had no impact on play. City looked comfortable throughout and managed the game with ease.
Guardiola opted for a completely rotated squad from the Wydad match, with full debuts handed to left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri and midfielder Echeverri. Bernardo Silva wore the captain’s armband for the first time since being named club skipper. Both debutants impressed, particularly Ait-Nouri, who joined from Wolves for £31 million and caused trouble down the left with his direct runs and crosses.
City will now prepare for a crucial showdown against Juventus in Orlando on Thursday, while Al-Ain and Wydad AC, both with two losses, are out of the competition.