Manchester City thrash Juventus to clinch top spot in Group G Club World Cup

Manchester City underlined their Club World Cup title credentials with a scintillating 5-2 victory over Juventus, topping Group G and securing a Round of 16 tie while remaining in Orlando. It was City’s first win over the Italian giants since 1976, and one that combined flair, clinical finishing, and another standout performance from Rayan Aït-Nouri.

In just his second appearance since a £31 million move from Wolves, Aït-Nouri announced himself in style. The Algerian international set up Jeremy Doku for City's opening goal with a perfectly timed, silky slide-rule assist that sliced through Juventus’ defense — a moment that fans say was “David Silva-esque.”

More than just the assist, Aït-Nouri has looked composed, creative, and dynamic under Pep Guardiola, filling a long-standing void at left-back for the club.

What the fans are saying

City fans on X (formerly Twitter) didn’t hold back in their praise:

• @MCIOusmane: "Bro Ait Nouri is the best footballer in the world what the HELL am I watching."
• @StevenMcinerney: "Ait-Nouri really is the one."
• @umirf1: "That slide pass is proper David Silva stuff… great dribbling. He’s just so good."
• @propsMCFC: "Ait Nouri is absolutely incredible, man."
• @radhoo12: "We absolutely robbed Wolves for Ait Nouri. Unreal player."

Pep Guardiola, once again rotating his squad, saw his side click into gear early, and it took just 10 minutes for new signing Rayan Aït-Nouri to thread a sublime through-ball to Jeremy Doku, who curled his finish into the far corner.

Juventus responded swiftly thanks to a costly Ederson error, as Teun Koopmeiners intercepted a wayward pass and slotted past the Brazilian to make it 1-1.

City regained the lead in farcical fashion when Matheus Nunes fired a cross across the face of goal that Pierre Kalulu turned into his own net under no pressure.

As a torrential downpour hit Orlando, City upped the intensity, with both Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush forcing fine saves from Michele Di Gregorio. But there was no stopping the Premier League champions after the break.

• Erling Haaland, coming off the bench, got in on the act, finishing from close range after Nunes selflessly squared the ball.
• Moments later, Phil Foden added a fourth after Savinho teed him up with a clever assist.
• The fifth goal was arguably the best, with Savinho smashing home a 20-yard rocket off the underside of the crossbar.

Juventus did grab a late goal through Dusan Vlahovic, who redeemed himself slightly after earlier wasting a one-on-one chance, but it was too little too late.

The defeat means Juventus will now face Group H winners — likely Real Madrid — in the Round of 16, while City enjoy the perceived advantage of remaining in Orlando and facing the Group H runners-up, which could be Al Hilal or Salzburg.

Related News: Man City 2-0 Wydad AC: Foden shines, Doku strikes, Rico Lewis sees Red in Club World Cup opener

With momentum surging, Manchester City march into the knockout rounds looking like firm favourites. Guardiola’s men are scoring freely, rotating efficiently, and gaining form at the right time.

Juventus, meanwhile, must quickly regroup as they now brace for a heavyweight clash likely against Real Madrid.

SportsLigue