Manchester City delivered a masterclass, dismantling Juventus FC 5-2 in a FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group G showdown at Lincoln Financial Field. Pep Guardiola’s side showcased relentless attacking prowess and tactical dominance, securing their place as group champions and setting a historic milestone—Juventus conceding five goals in a single match for the first time in 66 years.
Manchester City controlled 77% of possession, stifling Juventus from the outset. Their high-pressing game left Juventus struggling to maintain ball control, creating constant defensive vulnerabilities. City fired 24 shots, 11 on target, converting five into goals. Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Julián Álvarez led the charge, with Haaland scoring twice, while Foden’s pinpoint strikes and Álvarez’s clinical finish overwhelmed Juventus’ backline. Kevin De Bruyne’s playmaking orchestrated the rout, threading passes that sliced through Juventus’ defense.
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Juventus managed two goals through Dusan Vlahović and Federico Chiesa, but their efforts were overshadowed by City’s relentless attack. Defensive lapses and an inability to counter City’s possession-based play left Juventus exposed, with goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio facing a barrage of shots. The 5-2 scoreline marked a rare humiliation for the Italian giants, who last conceded five goals in a competitive match in 1959.
Pep Guardiola’s strategic rotations paid dividends. Despite making significant lineup changes across City’s group stage matches, their cohesion remained intact. The fully air-conditioned Lincoln Financial Field provided ideal conditions. Reminiscent of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup venues, allowing City to maintain their high-tempo style. Guardiola’s decision to shuffle 22 starters across three group games ensured freshness, with substitutes like Jack Grealish and Rodri making impactful contributions off the bench.
Juventus, under Thiago Motta, struggled to adapt. Their midfield, led by Manuel Locatelli, was overrun, unable to disrupt City’s rhythm. Post-match, Motta acknowledged City’s superiority, noting their “exceptional ball retention and clinical finishing” as decisive factors.
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Historic Milestone
Manchester City’s five-goal haul etched their name in Club World Cup history. Juventus, a club renowned for defensive resilience, hadn’t conceded five goals in a competitive match since a 5-1 loss to Napoli in 1959. This defeat not only handed City the Group G crown but also sent a warning to rivals like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as the knockout stage looms.
What’s Next?
As Group G champions, Manchester City await their round-of-16 opponent from Group H potentially facing Real Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg, or Al Hilal. The knockout clash, set for next week, promises high stakes, with City’s form making them favorites to advance.
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Juventus, as runners-up, face a tougher path, likely against Group H’s top side, with questions lingering about their defensive frailties.
Read more: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group H Showdown: Real Madrid, Salzburg, Al Hilal Battle for Knockout Spots
Tonight’s result underscores Manchester City’s dominance and sets the stage for a thrilling knockout phase. Streamed live on DAZN, the match drew global attention, with fans buzzing about City’s statement win and Juventus’ historic collapse.