Manchester City sealed a historic milestone in their illustrious season after clinching the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time with a dominant victory over Brazilian champions Fluminense in Saudi Arabia.
Julian Álvarez was the star of the show, scoring twice as Pep Guardiola’s side underlined their status as the best club team in world football. City wasted no time asserting their authority, taking the lead just 40 seconds into the contest when Álvarez reacted quickest to chest the ball home from close range after Nathan Aké’s long-range effort struck the post.
The English champions doubled their advantage in the 27th minute, albeit with a slice of fortune, as Fluminense defender Nino diverted Phil Foden’s dangerous cross into his own net under pressure.
City maintained control throughout the match and added a third goal in the second half. Foden capped an impressive performance by bursting through the centre of the Fluminense defence to slot home Álvarez’s low cross, effectively putting the game beyond doubt. Álvarez then completed his brace late on, firing a composed finish into the far corner in the 88th minute to crown a memorable night for the Premier League side.
The triumph saw Manchester City join Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea as English winners of the Club World Cup. However, Guardiola’s men went a step further by becoming the first English club to win five major trophies in a single calendar year. Their Club World Cup success followed last season’s remarkable Treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League, as well as the UEFA Super Cup victory secured in August.
Despite the celebrations, there was a moment of concern for City when influential midfielder Rodri was forced off with an injury late in the second half, slightly dampening the mood after an otherwise flawless performance.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Egyptian giants Al Ahly secured third place with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, rounding off another memorable edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.
