In Orlando, Guardiola`s side displayed complete control of the game, decisively defeating Tudor`s team 5-2. Juventus will now face Real Madrid in the Round of 16.
Manchester City swept aside Juventus in Orlando with the force of a summer storm. Juventus not only lost their unbeaten record in the Club World Cup but also their top spot in the group, despite having already secured qualification for the Round of 16 with previous wins against Al Ain and Wydad. Were it not for Michele Di Gregorio`s exceptional saves, the 5-2 scoreline could have been even heavier. Pep Guardiola`s side delivered a footballing masterclass to the Bianconeri, who now prepare to face Real Madrid in Miami on July 1st.
Tudor`s Squad Rotation Against City
Tudor opted for extensive squad rotation, fielding several reserves and a revamped attack with Nico Gonzalez and Koopmeiners supporting Vlahovic, who made his Club World Cup starting debut. Guardiola, on the other hand, began without Haaland, relying on the Savinho-Marmoush-Doku trident. City immediately seized control of possession and the game, orchestrated by the “professor” Rodri, who directed his teammates with precision: short passes, vertical plays, and wide openings to exploit Doku and Savinho`s dribbling skills on the flanks. Despite the intense afternoon heat in Florida, the English side sought to impose their rhythm from the outset. Juventus had Michele Di Gregorio to thank, as he made a crucial save from a close-range Bernardo Silva header early on and was vital in keeping the scoreline respectable at the end of the first half. City`s first attempt was an immediate display of their strength. Soon after, Guardiola`s team took the lead through Doku: the Belgian outmaneuvered Alberto Costa, skipped past Kalulu, and coolly finished past Di Gregorio. City`s goal stung Juventus`s pride, who reacted immediately: first, Vlahovic squandered a good chance, then Koopmeiners was quick and sharp to convert an Ederson error into an equalizer (1-1).
Juve-Manchester City: Only Di Gregorio Shines
Although Juventus had equalized, they couldn`t shift the momentum of the game. Manchester City continued to dominate, constantly pressing around the Bianconeri`s box. Their dominance was rewarded in a strange and unfortunate manner: Matheus Nunes broke through on the right and crossed into the center, and Kalulu, likely pressured by Marmoush and other attackers, shockingly headed into his own net for an own goal. From that point, the match became a contest between City and Di Gregorio. If Juventus only trailed 2-1 at halftime, it was thanks to the former Monza goalkeeper, who made crucial saves against Ait-Nouri and Marmoush, and even managed to withstand the fierce thunderstorm that struck Orlando at the end of the first half.
The Haaland Cyclone Hits Juve
Guardiola introduced Haaland at the start of the second half, and the Norwegian striker took less than ten minutes to seal Manchester City`s top spot, tapping in the easiest of chances. Erling was in the right place at the right time, but credit again goes to Matheus Nunes for his perfect run, beating Koopmeiners and providing the assist. Tudor tried to react with a triple substitution, bringing on Cambiaso, Thuram, and Yildiz. Minutes later, he was forced into a fourth change as Gatti replaced Savona, who suffered an ankle injury in a challenge with Haaland; tests are pending. Guardiola responded by bringing on Foden, and the English prodigy immediately made it 4-1. With the group standings decided, City continued to attack, making space for Savinho`s magnificent long-range strike, making it 5-1. The rain poured down on Juventus, both metaphorically and literally. The only, albeit slight, consolation was their late reaction: Yildiz created a superb pass for Vlahovic, who set the final score at 5-2.
