Manchester City Dominates Al Ain 6-0 in Club World Cup Showdown

Ilkay Gundogan leads Manchester City to a commanding victory over Al Ain, securing their place in the Club World Cup last-16 with a stellar performance.

By Lubowa Babu Hussein

June 23, 2025 at 6:45 AM

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Manchester City delivered a masterclass performance, thrashing Al Ain 6-0 in the Club World Cup group stage, ensuring their progression to the last-16. The match, held at the air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, saw Ilkay Gundogan shine with a brace, while Erling Haaland, Claudio Echeverri, Oscar Bobb, and Rayan Cherki also found the net.

Gundogan opened the scoring in the eighth minute with an audacious chipped cross that sailed over the goalkeeper. The German midfielder doubled his tally in the second half with a composed finish. Echeverri, making his first start, added to the tally with a stunning free-kick, and Haaland converted a penalty after Manuel Akanji was fouled in the box. Substitute Bobb and Cherki sealed the emphatic victory with late goals.

Despite the sweltering 31°C temperature outside, the match was unaffected due to the stadium's climate-controlled environment. City boss Pep Guardiola fielded a rotated squad, handing debuts to left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri and midfielder Echeverri, both of whom impressed. Ait-Nouri, signed from Wolves for £31m, showcased his attacking prowess down the left flank, while Echeverri’s performance further bolstered his case for more first-team opportunities.

Al Ain, winners of the 2024 Asian Champions League, struggled to match City’s intensity and quality. Former Watford manager Vladimir Ivic’s side now faces an early exit from the tournament after two consecutive defeats.

Manchester City’s next challenge is a crucial clash against Juventus in Orlando, where a win would secure top spot in Group G. Meanwhile, Al Ain and Wydad AC, both winless, will play for pride in their final group-stage encounter.

Player ratings highlighted Gundogan’s dominance with an average rating of 8.31, while Ait-Nouri and Cherki also received high marks for their contributions.

This commanding victory underscores Manchester City’s ambition to add the Club World Cup to their growing list of accolades under Guardiola’s leadership.