Manchester City delivered a resounding statement of intent at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, dismantling Juventus 5-2 in a dominant display that secured their place at the top of Group G with a perfect record. The victory, played in Orlando, Florida, showcased City's attacking prowess and marked a significant milestone in the return of midfield maestro Rodri from a long-term injury.
City entered the match needing a win to leapfrog Juventus and secure a potentially easier path through the knockout stages. The team responded emphatically, putting on arguably their most complete performance in the last year. Jeremy Doku, who continues to impress, opened the scoring, linking up effectively with Rayan Ait-Nouri. While Juventus briefly leveled through Teun Koopmeiners, a comical own goal from Pierre Kalulu quickly restored City's lead, providing a cushion that their superior play deserved.
The second half saw Erling Haaland enter the fray, and the Norwegian striker wasted no time in making his mark, scoring his 300th career goal. Haaland then turned provider, setting up Phil Foden to extend City's advantage further. Savinho added a fifth with a stunning strike off the crossbar, before Dusan Vlahovic grabbed a late consolation goal for Juventus.
While the attacking players grabbed the headlines, the return of Rodri to the starting lineup was a crucial factor in City's control and dominance. Making his first start since suffering a serious ACL injury in September 2024, Rodri provided the midfield stability and tactical intelligence that had been sorely missed. His presence allowed City to dictate the tempo of the game and stifle Juventus' attacking threats. Rodri himself expressed his excitement at being back on the pitch, stating that the Club World Cup was a "great opportunity to come back at the highest level".
Pep Guardiola also acknowledged Rodri's importance to the team, admitting that he had missed the midfielder's influence. Guardiola highlighted the team's improved commitment and tactical execution with and without the ball, suggesting that Rodri's return had instilled a renewed sense of purpose and focus within the squad.
By topping Group G with three wins from three, Manchester City have ensured they will face the runners-up from Group H in the Round of 16. This avoids the possibility of an all-Premier League final against Chelsea. City will remain in Orlando for their next match. Juventus, meanwhile, will head to Miami as the Group G runners-up.
City's emphatic victory over Juventus sends a clear message to their rivals in the Club World Cup: they are a force to be reckoned with. The return of Rodri has undoubtedly strengthened the team, and with their attacking firepower firing on all cylinders, Manchester City will be aiming to add another trophy to their already impressive collection.
