In a Training Pace, City Steamrolls Al Ain and Secures Early Qualification | OneFootball

Manchester City lived up to expectations and, almost in a training pace, secured their second victory in this Club World Cup. Facing the modest Al Ain from the United Arab Emirates, Pep Guardiola's team controlled the game from start to finish, thrashing them 6-0.

With this result, the Citizens reach six points, ensuring their qualification for the round of 16 and will decide the top spot of Group G in the last match against Juventus. On the other hand, with no points earned, Al Ain bids farewell to the competition against WAC from Morocco.

Expected Walkover

Even with a completely different starting eleven from their debut, Manchester City had no trouble thrashing Al Ain.

Just nine minutes in, Gundogan made a great play in the box, cleared to his right foot and lofted it over, leaving no chance for goalkeeper Khalid Eisa.

Even without speeding up as usual, City continued to easily create spaces in the attack and extended their lead at 27 minutes with a stunning free-kick goal by Echeverri.

And Haaland had to have his moment. Making his debut as a starter in the World Cup, the Norwegian made his mark by scoring a penalty just before halftime.

Turns three, ends six

Returning for the second half, it was more of the same. The team led by Pep Guardiola kept the ball and piled up chances to turn the good lead into a rout.

Then at 28 minutes, Bernardo Silva broke away through the middle and delivered with precision to Gundogan, who invaded the area and finished with finesse past the goalkeeper. Don't lose count: 4-0.

In the final stretch, the citizens picked up the pace again and scored two more. The first was by Bobb, who received a great pass from Rodri and finished on the wrong foot of Khalid Eisa.

The second came after a beautiful combination in the attack between Cherki and Haaland, which ended with a firm shot into the corner by the Frenchman, finalizing the English rout: 6-0.