Erling Haaland marked his 300th career goal in style as Manchester City overpowered Juventus 5-2 to finish top of Group G at the Club World Cup. The striker’s landmark moment came in the second half of a commanding performance that saw City’s attacking depth overwhelm a fading Juventus side.
City struck early through Jérémy Doku, who finished confidently after a clever pass from Rayan Aït-Nouri. However, Juventus briefly levelled when a misplaced pass from Ederson gifted Teun Koopmeiners a simple equaliser. City responded swiftly, with Matheus Nunes’ blistering run down the right leading to a calamitous own goal from Pierre Kalulu, who bundled the ball into his own net under no pressure.
City were dominant in possession and attack throughout the first half, with the likes of Aït-Nouri, Nunes, Doku and Omar Marmoush rotating fluidly across the frontline to stretch the Juventus defence. Marmoush had a notable effort saved, and Savinho, a constant threat, tested the keeper before halftime.
Rodri made his return from a long injury layoff, starting a match for the first time since suffering an ACL injury in September. He lasted 65 minutes and helped dictate tempo in midfield before being replaced, having shown glimpses of his usual authority on the ball.
Haaland, who came on for Marmoush after the break, initially missed a golden chance to extend the lead but made no mistake minutes later. A cross from Savinho was miskicked by the Norwegian striker but still found its way into the net, taking his career tally to 300 goals at just 24 years old.
City continued to press, and their fourth came from substitute Phil Foden. After Haaland’s clever movement and a sharp pass from Savinho, Foden slotted home his second goal of the tournament. Savinho, who had been involved in multiple goals, then produced a stunning strike from outside the area that ricocheted off the bar and in, sealing a dominant win.
Juventus managed a late consolation through Dusan Vlahovic, but by then the outcome was beyond doubt. City’s pace, creativity, and squad depth were on full display, and they now move into the last 16 with growing momentum, poised to face Al-Hilal in the knockout round.
