In a stunning display of tactical supremacy and attacking brilliance, Manchester City overwhelmed Juventus 5-2 in their final group-stage fixture at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, sending a clear warning to their rivals and securing top spot with flair and finesse.
Pep Guardiola’s side arrived in Saudi Arabia as tournament favorites, and this performance only reinforced that status. From the first whistle to the final seconds, City played with a swagger that Juventus simply couldn’t match. With standout performances from Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, and Kevin De Bruyne, City dismantled the Italian giants, reminding the world why they are Europe’s most feared club team.
This win sends them through to the semi-finals as group winners and puts them on course for a potential final showdown with South American champions Flamengo, who also topped their group.
A Statement Performance on the Global Stage
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, now expanded to 32 teams and contested by champions from every continent, has become the premier intercontinental club competition. As reigning UEFA Champions League winners, Manchester City entered the tournament with high expectations—and the pressure to perform against clubs with different styles and historic pedigree.
Juventus, under manager Thiago Motta, entered the match on equal points with City. A draw would have been enough for the Serie A side to claim top spot on goal difference. But City had no intention of settling. What unfolded was a masterclass in controlled aggression, creative movement, and relentless pressing.
Team Lineups and Tactical Setups
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Manchester City (4-3-3)
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- GK: Ederson
- DEF: Kyle Walker (C), Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake
- MID: Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic
- FOR: Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Jeremy Doku
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Juventus (3-5-2)
- GK: Wojciech Szczesny
- DEF: Danilo, Bremer, Alex Sandro
- MID: Weah, Locatelli, Rabiot, Miretti, Kostic
- FOR: Federico Chiesa, Dusan Vlahovic
Motta’s setup aimed to suffocate City’s central spaces and counter through Chiesa’s pace and Vlahovic’s physical presence. But Guardiola’s positional play unraveled the plan within minutes.
City Blitz Leaves Juventus Staggered
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3rd Minute – Goal: Julian Alvarez (1-0)
City struck early. A high press from Doku forced Bremer into a rushed clearance. Rodri intercepted and slipped a clever pass into Alvarez, who timed his run to perfection and fired low past Szczesny.
It was a textbook City goal: pressing, recovery, incision.
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11th Minute – Goal: Phil Foden (2-0)
Foden, operating from the right, exchanged quick passes with De Bruyne and curled a shot into the top corner from just outside the box. Juventus defenders were caught ball-watching.
At this point, City had 74% possession and six shots on goal—total dominance.
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24th Minute – Goal: Kevin De Bruyne (3-0)
De Bruyne, making his return from a hamstring layoff, rolled back the years with a moment of magic. A delicate feint took two defenders out of the equation before he side-footed the ball into the net with calm precision.
Juventus looked stunned. City’s tempo and movement were too much.
Juventus Fight Back Briefly
Despite the shell shock, Juventus found a lifeline.
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31st Minute – Goal: Federico Chiesa (3-1)
A rare lapse from Dias allowed Locatelli to send Chiesa through on goal. The Italian winger made no mistake, firing into the far corner. It was a reminder that Juve still had weapons to punish carelessness.
Guardiola responded with animated instructions, demanding sharper positioning and focus. City responded by slowing the game down, controlling possession, and recalibrating their shape.
Ruthless and Relentless
City resumed the second half with the same intent.
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52nd Minute – Goal: Julian Alvarez (4-1)
Rodri again dictated the play, switching the ball wide to Walker, who whipped in a low cross. Alvarez, always alert, pounced at the near post for his second of the night.
At 4-1, the result felt inevitable, but City weren’t done.
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64th Minute – Goal: Doku (5-1)
Doku had been a menace on the left all game. After beating two defenders with dazzling footwork, he cut inside and smashed the ball into the roof of the net. A goal worthy of any highlight reel.
City had 19 shots, 8 on target, and over 80% pass completion in the final third. The fans in Riyadh cheered in awe, regardless of club allegiance.
Juventus Grab a Consolation
In the 77th minute, substitute Moise Kean capitalized on a miscommunication between Ake and Gvardiol to make it 5-2. It was a well-taken goal, but by then, the match was long decided.
Guardiola responded by giving rests to De Bruyne and Rodri, bringing on Kalvin Phillips and Oscar Bobb, further evidence of City’s squad depth.
Post-Match Reactions Guardiola and Motta Speak
Guardiola was typically restrained but proud in his post-match interview:
“I’m happy, of course. We respected a very good team and played with our identity. The players understood the spaces and transitions perfectly. But this is not the final. There is more to do.”
He praised De Bruyne and Alvarez in particular:
“Kevin’s return is huge for us. His intelligence is unmatched. Julian? He’s a killer. Always in the right place.”
Juventus manager Thiago Motta was gracious in defeat:
“We lost to the best team in the world. Our players gave everything, but City’s pressing and movement were at another level. We will learn from this.”
Tactical Analysi Why City Dominated
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Rodri’s Control
Rodri continues to be the heartbeat of this City side. He completed 93% of his passes, made 4 interceptions, and had 9 ball recoveries. His ability to transition from defense to attack nullified Juventus’ midfield trio.
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Positional Rotations
Guardiola’s use of inverted full-backs and staggered midfield lines disrupted Juve’s pressing shape. At times, Foden and Doku dropped deep while De Bruyne ghosted into central channels, creating overloads.
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Ruthless Finishing
Five goals from six shots on target illustrates City’s clinical edge. Alvarez and Foden, in particular, demonstrated that City no longer rely solely on Erling Haaland for goals.
Player Ratings
Manchester City
- Ederson – 6.5: Quiet night, nothing he could do for the goals.
- Walker – 8.0: Led the side with authority, excellent crossing.
- Dias – 6.0: Solid, but one error led to a goal.
- Gvardiol – 7.0: Powerful and proactive.
- Ake – 6.5: Miscommunication aside, solid.
- Rodri – 9.0: Dominant as always.
- De Bruyne – 8.5: Controlled the tempo, scored, assisted.
- Kovacic – 7.0: Efficient, tidy in possession.
- Foden – 8.5: Sparkling creativity, stunning goal.
- Alvarez – 9.0: Two goals, constant threat.
- Doku – 8.0: Electric dribbling, deserved goal.
Juventus
- Szczesny – 5.5: Exposed often, not much help.
- Bremer – 5.0: Outpaced and outmaneuvered.
- Danilo – 5.5: Struggled with Doku’s pace.
- Locatelli – 6.5: One assist, some good work in midfield.
- Chiesa – 7.0: Took his goal well, showed fight.
What This Means Path to the Trophy
Manchester City now face Mexican champions Club América in the semifinals. Should they progress, a likely final against Flamengo or Al Ahly awaits.
City have never won the FIFA Club World Cup. For Guardiola, who has done it with Barcelona and Bayern, lifting the trophy with City would be a crowning achievement—completing the full sweep of club titles since his arrival.
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