Ilkay Gundogan struck twice as Manchester City crushed Al Ain 6-0 to advance to the Club World Cup last 16.
Under the roof at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the Premier League champions overpowered the Saudi Pro League outfit.
Early in the game, Gundogan broke the tie. Over the goalie, his chipped ball settled in the net.
Youngster Claudio Echeverri then started his first City start with a brilliant freekick. When Matheus Nunes was dropped down, he curled the ball in.
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Erling Haaland made a third just before halftime. VAR reversed a missed call and gave a penalty following Manuel Akanji’s tackle.
Haaland approached the goalkeeper and sent him the wrong way quietly.
Still in complete control, City made 11 changes from their previous triumph against Wydad Casablanca.
Still, Al Ain almost answered. Nassim Chadli had a unique opportunity, but Stefan Ortega came to the rescue.
There was worry when Echeverri required collision-related medical care. He, however, rebounded quickly and scored a short time thereafter.
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The Cityzens nearly added a fourth before the break. After stealing Park Yongwoo, the Norwegian missed close range while Josko Gvardiol hit the woodwork.
Phil Foden set Haaland with a crisp cross after the restart, but Khalid Eisa denied him with two fantastic saves.
The German midfielder hit once more. Grabbing a pass from Bernardo Silva, he calmly lifted the ball over the on-rushing goalkeeper.
The Pep Guardiola men’s intensity did not decrease. Oscar Bobb entered off the bench and calmly finished for a fifth.
Another substitute, Rayan Cherki, finished the massacre with a low drive from the perimeter of the box.
Having the result sealed, the Sky Blues and Juventus advance from Group G. They will meet in Orlando to determine top position.
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