Manchester City Advances Club World Cup Last 16 With 6-0 Win Over Al Ain

Manchester City secured their place in the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage with a commanding 6-0 victory over Al Ain, showcasing their dominance in the group. Ilkay Gündogan scored twice, including a brace, while Erling Haaland, Claudio Echeverri, Oscar Bobb, and Rayan Cherki also contributed goals, with Cherki and Echeverri marking their first goals for the club. The match, dubbed the “Abu derby” due to the involvement of UAE vice-president Sheikh Mansour owning City and his elder sibling Sheikh Mohamed presiding over Al Ain, saw City control possession and chances, confirming Juventus’ progression and leveling with them atop Group G. Pep Guardiola rotated his entire starting lineup from the previous game, emphasizing squad depth, and noted the team played better in the second half despite a slow start. The final group match against Juventus in Orlando will decide the group leader, with City needing an additional goal to surpass Juventus on goal difference. With this dominant performance, Manchester City sent a strong message as reigning European champions, while Al Ain bowed out without earning points.