In a thrilling encounter at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Manchester City emphatically defeated Juventus 5-2 on June 26, 2025, to claim the top spot in Group G of the FIFA Club World Cup. The match not only showcased the attacking prowess of both European giants but also underscored Manchester City's dominance in the tournament under Pep Guardiola's leadership.
The stakes were high as both teams entered the fixture with perfect records, having secured convincing victories against Al Ain and Wydad AC in their previous group matches. Juventus, led by coach Igor Tudor, had edged the group standings on goal difference prior to the clash, thanks to their 5-0 and 4-1 wins. Manchester City, coached by Guardiola, sought to overturn that advantage and finish the group stage unbeaten and at the summit.
Guardiola made significant adjustments to his lineup, introducing seven changes from the side that had demolished Al Ain 6-0 in their previous outing. Notably, Rodri, the 29-year-old midfielder who had been sidelined for most of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, was named in the starting eleven for the first time in over nine months. The Spanish midfielder's return was a major boost for City, symbolizing the team's resilience and depth. Guardiola also replaced goalkeeper Stefan Ortega with Ederson, who recently confirmed his stay at the club, and recalled Ruben Dias to the defense.
In midfield, the newly signed Tijjani Reijnders, Serie A's Midfielder of the Season for 2024-25 with AC Milan, partnered Rodri and captain Bernardo Silva, while the attack featured Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Omar Marmoush. Surprisingly, Erling Haaland, a key figure in City's attack, was relegated to the bench alongside Ilkay Gundogan, despite his brace in the previous match. Claudio Echeverri missed out due to an ankle injury.
On the Juventus side, Igor Tudor opted for five changes from the team that had impressed in earlier matches. Despite Kenan Yildiz's remarkable form—scoring three goals in as many games—the young Turkish star was benched, a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. Dusan Vlahovic, who had scored against Manchester City in a 2-0 Champions League victory in December 2024, was recalled to lead the line, supported by Argentine winger Nicolás González and Teun Koopmeiners.
The Bianconeri's backline remained consistent, featuring Pierre Kalulu, Nicolo Savona, and Lloyd Kelly, with Michele Di Gregorio guarding the net. Manuel Locatelli returned from a minor injury to bolster the midfield alongside Weston McKennie and Koopmeiners. Filip Kostic was handed a start as a left wing-back while Alberto Costa operated on the right flank.
The match kicked off with high intensity, and Manchester City quickly stamped their authority. Jeremy Doku opened the scoring, setting the tone for what would be a goal-fest. Juventus responded with resilience, but an unfortunate own goal by Kalulu handed City an additional advantage. Erling Haaland, brought on as a substitute, added to City's tally, while Phil Foden and Savinho also found the back of the net, showcasing City's lethal attacking options.
Juventus fought back with goals from Teun Koopmeiners and Dusan Vlahovic, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse from City's goalkeeper Ederson. However, despite their efforts, the Italian side couldn't stem the flow of City's relentless offense. The 5-2 scoreline reflected both teams' attacking ambitions but ultimately highlighted Manchester City's superior execution on the day.
Argentine winger Nicolás González was a constant threat for Juventus throughout the match, playing the full 90 minutes and demonstrating his commitment despite the team's defeat. Meanwhile, Claudio Echeverri's absence was felt by City, but the squad's depth ensured that they maintained their high standards.
With this victory, Manchester City secured their position as the only team in the tournament with a perfect record, extending Pep Guardiola's impeccable record in the Club World Cup to 11 wins in 11 matches. Guardiola's tactical acumen and squad management continue to be pivotal in City's quest for international glory, especially following a disappointing domestic season where they failed to secure any major titles.
Juventus, despite the loss, remain strong contenders as they advance to the Round of 16, where they are set to face the leader of Group H, potentially Real Madrid. Igor Tudor's side has shown resilience and quality in their performances, and the experience gained from facing elite opposition like Manchester City will undoubtedly serve them well in the knockout stages.
The match was broadcast live in Argentina on Telefe and DSports, with digital coverage available through Directv Go, Flow, Telecentro Play, Disney+, MiTelefe, and DAZN, offering fans multiple avenues to witness this high-stakes encounter.
As the FIFA Club World Cup progresses, all eyes will be on these European powerhouses to see if Manchester City can continue their flawless run and if Juventus can regroup and mount a serious challenge for the coveted title.
