Manchester City and Real Madrid underlined their superiority with dominant victories on Thursday, securing top spots in their respective groups and advancing to the knockout phase of the FIFA Club World Cup. Al-Hilal also clinched a place in the next round, while RB Salzburg and others bowed out.
Manchester City Overpower Juventus
Manchester City delivered a stunning display, defeating Juventus 5-2 in a high-octane clash in Orlando. The English champions took control early in the second half.
Jeremy Doku opened the scoring with a composed finish before Teun Koopmeiners equalized for Juventus. However, a Pierre Kalulu own goal swiftly handed the lead back to City.
Erling Haaland powered in the third, Phil Foden added a clinical fourth, and Savinho scored a spectacular long-range fifth to bury Juventus. Although Dusan Vlahovic grabbed a late goal for the Italian side, it was too little, too late.
City now prepare for a knockout showdown with Al-Hilal on Monday in Orlando, while Juventus will try to regroup before facing Real Madrid in Miami on Tuesday.
Real Madrid Cruise, Al-Hilal Progress
In Philadelphia, Real Madrid breezed past RB Salzburg 3-0 to top Group H. Vinicius Junior was instrumental, scoring a superb goal and assisting Federico Valverde with an exquisite backheel. Substitute Gonzalo Garcia added the third, ending Salzburg’s hopes of progression.
Elsewhere, in Washington D.C., Al Ain edged past Wydad Casablanca 2-1 in a match with no impact on the standings, as both were already eliminated.
The highlight for Asian fans came from Al-Hilal’s commanding 2-0 victory over Mexico’s Pachuca. Salem Al-Dawsari and Marcos Leonardo found the net, sealing second place in Group H and ensuring Al-Hilal remained unbeaten.
With the group stage concluded, anticipation is building for the knockout rounds. Will City’s firepower or Madrid’s experience prove decisive? Or could Al-Hilal spring a surprise? The tournament now moves into its most thrilling phase.