Manchester City 4, Fluminense 0
Manchester City have become FIFA Club World Cup Champions after beating Brazilian side Fluminense 4-0 in Saudi Arabia.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnd the records continue tumbling for City as boss Pep Guardiola became the first manager to lift the FIFA Club World Cup four times – in 2009, 2011 with Barcelona, 2013 with Bayern Munich, and now City, with whom he has now won everything, in 2023.
The latest piece of silverware completes a remarkable quintuple of trophies for City in 2023 as they are now simultaneously holders of the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and now the Club World Cup in the same calendar year – a first for English clubs.
The trophy haul may sit well on the mantlepiece for City but they were dealt a serious blow just before they made the game safe after Rodri limped off following an agricultural challenge by Alexsander.
Julian Alvarez scored twice and set up another as City were comfortable from as little as 40 seconds into this game when he chested home the opening goal after Nathan Ake had hit the post.
The lead was doubled after 27 minutes when Nino turned the ball into his own net as City turned up the heat.
Bernardo Silva had two efforts saved in quick succession early by veteran Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio in the second half.
City finally put themselves 3-0 up after 72 minutes when Alvarez turned provider to set up Phil Foden.
Rodri had picked up an injury before the goal after being caught by Alexsander’s lunge at his ankle and the third goal gave City every reason to take him off.
Matheus Nunes’ cutback allowed Alvarez space and time to control the ball before picking his spot from 12 yards out with 2 minutes to go to make it 4-0 with his 10th goal in all competitions this term.
City will have little time celebrate as they make their way back to England for a well earned rest before a trip to Everton on December 27.
City lost every game they have played without Rodri this season and may be dreading another away game without their influential midfielder.