Manchester City stormed into the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a dominant 6-0 victory over Al Ain. Despite making a full lineup change from their previous fixture, Pep Guardiola’s men delivered another statement win, following up their 2-0 triumph over Wydad AC with a ruthless attacking display in Atlanta.
The win, which saw goals from Ilkay Gündogan, Claudio Echeverri, Erling Haaland, Oscar Bobb, and Rayan Cherki, guarantees Manchester City’s progression from Group G alongside Juventus, who also cruised through their group fixtures. The result also handed City a second clean sheet in as many matches, underlining their dominance early in the tournament.
City vs Al Ain – Match Summary
- Match: Manchester City vs Al Ain
- Date: June 22, 2025
- Competition: FIFA Club World Cup 2025
- Result: Manchester City 6-0 Al Ain
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- Manchester City Goals:
- Ilkay Gündogan (8′, 73′)
- Claudio Echeverri (27′)
- Erling Haaland (45′, penalty)
- Oscar Bobb (84′)
- Rayan Cherki (89′)
- Clean Sheet: Stefan Ortega (Manchester City)
- Possession: Manchester City 74% – 26% Al Ain
- Shots (On Target): Manchester City 21 (11) – 4 (1) Al Ain
- Man of the Match: Ilkay Gündogan (Manchester City)
- Group Status: Manchester City qualify for knockout stage alongside Juventus
Guardiola’s Rotation Strategy Pays Off
With qualification on the line, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola opted to rotate his entire starting XI against UAE’s Al Ain. That decision highlighted the squad depth City possess, capable of fielding two full-strength sides in a tournament of this caliber. Despite the wholesale changes, Manchester City started strongly and never looked in danger.
After a 2nd-minute opener in their previous game against Wydad, City took slightly longer to get going against Al Ain. In the 8th minute, Ilkay Gündogan opened the scoring with a delightful chip past the goalkeeper, giving City an early 1-0 lead.
The second goal came in the 27th minute through Claudio Echeverri. Making his debut for the club, Echeverri curled a stunning free kick into the net, rewarding Guardiola’s faith in the youngster. According to the City boss, Echeverri’s dedication to practicing free kicks daily in training paid off at the perfect time.
By halftime, Erling Haaland had converted a penalty to make it 3-0, giving City breathing room and an opportunity to focus on boosting goal difference in the second half — a key factor considering Juventus’ back-to-back wins (5-0 and 4-1) in the same group.
Second-Half Surge Cements City’s Control
While Manchester City controlled possession and dictated tempo, their second-half performance wasn’t as flawless. The chemistry among the rotated lineup occasionally faltered, and while Al Ain couldn’t capitalize, Guardiola will surely want those rough patches resolved before tougher challenges arise.
City still managed to add three more goals before the final whistle. Gündogan netted his second of the match in the 73rd minute after a superb solo run through the defense. In the 84th minute, Oscar Bobb got on the scoresheet with a neat finish before Rayan Cherki completed the rout in the 89th minute.
Statistically, the match was a complete one-sided affair. City finished with 74% possession, 21 total shots, and 11 shots on target, while Al Ain managed just one effort on goal. The victory puts City level with Juventus on goal difference (+8) heading into their final group clash in Orlando.
Mixed Emotions After Dominant Display
Manchester City midfielder Nico praised the atmosphere, stating it felt like a home match due to the overwhelming number of City fans at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “To be honest, I felt like we were playing at home,” he said post-match.
On the other hand, Al Ain defender Erik reflected on the disappointing performance. “I’m sad about it because I know this team have more quality to show, and we can’t show,” he admitted. Al Ain have now conceded 11 goals in two games and are officially out of contention.
Manchester City, the defending Club World Cup champions, are aiming to bounce back from a trophyless 2024 season. Guardiola admitted the previous campaign didn’t meet expectations but reiterated that success in the Club World Cup, while meaningful, wouldn’t erase the sting of early Champions League elimination and a third-place Premier League finish.
As City prepare to face Juventus next, the fixture promises to be a decider for top spot in Group G — and potentially a preview of a future final. While other teams are focused on short-term victories, City appear to be preparing their foundations for a long-term project that extends into 2026.
FAQ
Who scored for Manchester City vs Al Ain in the Club World Cup 2025?
Ilkay Gündogan (2), Claudio Echeverri, Erling Haaland, Oscar Bobb, and Rayan Cherki.
Did Manchester City rotate their squad for this match?
Yes, Pep Guardiola made a full lineup change from the previous match against Wydad AC.
What does this result mean for the group standings?
Manchester City and Juventus are both through to the knockout stage with one group game left.
How did Al Ain perform in the tournament?
Al Ain lost both of their group matches and are now eliminated from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
When is Manchester City’s next Club World Cup match?
Manchester City will face Juventus in their final Group G match on Thursday in Orlando.