Manchester City emphatically booked their place in the Club World Cup last 16 with a dominant 6-0 victory over Al Ain in Atlanta. The match, dubbed the "Abu derby" due to the ownership ties between the clubs, showcased the Premier League side's ruthless efficiency against their Emirati counterparts. Following their opening 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca, City's second Group G triumph not only secured their progression but also confirmed Juventus's place in the next round.

Pep Guardiola, City's coach, opted for a complete rotation of his starting line-up, introducing star players like Erling Haaland, new arrival Rayan Ait-Nouri, and exciting prospect Claudio Echeverri. The tactical reshuffle proved highly effective. City took an early lead in the ninth minute when Ilkay Gundogan's chip, intended for Haaland at the back post, fortuitously found its way into the net. Al Ain, despite an aggressive start and a clear chance for Nassim Chadli that was superbly saved by Stefan Ortega, struggled to contain City's attack.

The 19-year-old Argentine attacker, Claudio Echeverri, marked his first start for the club with a spectacular goal in the 27th minute, curling a perfect free-kick around the wall and into the top corner. Erling Haaland then added a third from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, converting after Manuel Akanji was fouled in the box following a VAR review, netting his first goal of the tournament.

City continued their relentless assault in the second half. Ilkay Gundogan netted his second goal of the night with a well-taken dinked finish, further extending City's lead. Substitute Oscar Bobb showcased impressive footwork before slotting in the fifth at the near post. The rout was sealed by Rayan Cherki, who, in his second appearance for City, powered home a fierce finish from the edge of the box for his debut goal. The win could have been even more decisive for goal difference, which might have given City a slight advantage over Juventus.

The comprehensive victory sets up a decisive clash against Juventus in Orlando on Thursday. This match will determine who finishes top of Group G, a crucial outcome as the group winner will likely avoid a last-16 encounter against Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Player Ratings

Stefan Ortega – 7: Dealt strongly with an early challenge from Chadli; rarely called upon thereafter.

Abdukodir Khusanov – 6: Looked rusty in his first outing since March, mistiming challenges and misplacing passes, though without costly errors.

Manuel Akanji – 7.5: Efficiently mopped up loose balls in City's half and earned a penalty after being fouled in the area.

Josko Gvardiol – 8: Delivered a composed centre-back performance, continuing his strong form from the Premier League season; unlucky to hit the post with a header.

Rayan Ait-Nouri – 8.5: An impressive debut, showcasing technical talent and physical drive, despite a slip preventing a potential debut goal.

Nico Gonzalez – 6.5: Handled the ball sensibly in deep midfield for the most part, with one notable poor giveaway.

Ilkay Gundogan – 9 (Man of the Match): A superb controlling display in midfield, topped off with two very well-taken goals, even if the first was somewhat fortuitous.

Bernardo Silva – 8: Faced traffic on the right in the first half but became far more influential in the second, providing an excellent assist to Gundogan.

Matheus Nunes – 7: Constantly sought to run in behind and tried creative plays; seemed more comfortable when shifted to right-back.

Erling Haaland – 7.5: Despite being kept out of much of the action, he found the net from the spot and provided a neat assist for Cherki. Could have scored more.

Claudio Echeverri – 7.5: Displayed confident attacking play from the start, highlighted by his well-hit free-kick goal. Was substituted at half-time.

Substitutes

Phil Foden – 7: Entered the game with City leading 3-0 and enjoyed the freedom, though he missed a late chance.

Rodri – 6: Showed some rustiness, misreading loose balls and giving away passes, but notably set up Bobb's goal.

Oscar Bobb – 6.5: His usual ability to easily bypass defenders wasn't fully present, but he struck his goal well.

Ruben Dias – 6: His only significant action was sweeping up on one occasion.

Rayan Cherki – 7: Made a strong impact in limited time, contributing to the final two goals and showcasing his exciting talent.