The Premier League champions overcame an early defensive lapse to assert overwhelming control over their Italian opponents in a match that showcased the full spectrum of their attacking firepower and squad depth. With key players rotated and others returning from injury, City delivered a performance that underscored why they remain among the favorites for the global crown.
The action kicked off early, with City drawing first blood in the 9th minute. Jérémy Doku finished smartly into the bottom right corner following a sharp through ball from left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri. But the early lead was short-lived. Juventus hit back two minutes later after a rare miscue by City goalkeeper Ederson, whose failed clearance allowed Teun Koopmeiners to capitalize and level the score at 1-1.
City, however, quickly regained their composure and control. In the 26th minute, misfortune struck Juventus again as defender Pierre Kalulu turned a Matheus Nunes cross into his own net, restoring City's lead at 2-1.
The second half belonged entirely to the English side. Pep Guardiola brought on Erling Haaland at the break, and the Norwegian striker wasted little time making an impact. Just seven minutes into the second half, Haaland converted a low cross from Nunes with a simple tap-in, extending City's lead to 3-1.
Phil Foden added a fourth in the 69th minute, finishing from close range after being set up by the energetic Savinho, who was one of City’s standout performers on the night. Savinho wasn’t done yet—he crowned his impressive outing with a thunderous strike from just outside the box in the 75th minute, his shot cannoning in off the underside of the crossbar to make it 5-1.
Juventus managed to claw one back in the 84th minute as Kenan Yıldız linked up well with Dušan Vlahović, who calmly slotted past Ederson to make it 5-2. But it proved too little, too late, with City comfortably seeing out the game.
Statistically, the gulf between the two sides was stark. Manchester City dominated possession with 77.1% and registered 15 shots, six of them on target, compared to Juventus's two total attempts, only one of which tested Ederson.
With the win, City capped a perfect group stage campaign, scoring 13 goals and conceding only twice over three matches. Juventus, despite the defeat, also advanced to the round of 16 but now face a potentially difficult matchup—possibly against European rivals Real Madrid.
City, meanwhile, look increasingly like the team to beat. With midfield anchor Rodri returning for a solid 65-minute outing and key contributions from the likes of Doku, Nunes, Savinho, and Haaland, Guardiola’s side sent a clear warning to their Club World Cup challengers: they are only just hitting their stride.