2025-06-26T20:57:05Z

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ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JUNE 26: Pierre Kalulu, wearing the number 15 jersey for Juventus FC, visibly reacted after conceding an own goal that contributed to Manchester City's second goal during a FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group G match held at Camping World Stadium on June 26, 2025. This match saw Juventus suffer a significant defeat, ending in a 5-2 loss against Manchester City, which solidified their position as runners-up in Group G.

Both Juventus and Manchester City had already secured their spots in the knockout rounds after winning their opening matches against Wydad and Al-Ain. This game was pivotal as it determined the top position in the group; Juventus only needed a draw to finish first, thanks to having a superior goal difference. However, in a strategic move, Juventus manager opted for six changes in the lineup, which included the return of Dusan Vlahovic to the starting XI and Filip Kostic, making his first appearance since his loan to Fenerbahce over a year ago. On the other hand, Manchester City welcomed back Ballon d'Or winner Rodri for his first start since suffering a devastating knee injury in September 2024, though they decided to rest their prolific striker, Erling Haaland, at the beginning of the match.

The match got off to a frenetic start, with Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio making an early save by sticking out a boot to deny Bernardo Silva after Rayan Ait-Nouri had skillfully maneuvered past Manuel Locatelli on the left flank. However, this served as merely a warning shot; just moments later, Ait-Nouri caught Alberto Costa off guard with a perfectly timed through ball, allowing Jeremy Doku to cut inside and find the far-bottom corner of the net, putting Manchester City in the lead.

Juventus had a golden opportunity to level the score when Vlahovic inexplicably scuffed his shot from 12 yards out following a well-placed roll across from Alberto Costa. Yet, fortune smiled on Juventus shortly after when an error from Manchester City's goalkeeper Ederson allowed Teun Koopmeiners to intercept and score from a tight angle, equalizing the score at 1-1.

As the match progressed, errors continued to plague Juventus. Pierre Kalulu, seemingly unpressured, managed to side-foot the ball into his own net after Matheus Nunes had pulled back from the by-line, handing Manchester City a second goal and putting Juventus on the back foot once again. Despite Di Gregorio's efforts in goal, including a spectacular save against a long-range effort from Ait-Nouri, the pressure continued to mount.

Upon the start of the second half, Erling Haaland was subbed in, and he almost made an immediate impact, narrowly missing a connection with a Savinho roll across the box. However, he did manage to score shortly thereafter, converting a Matheus Nunes assist from close range that left Koopmeiners caught off guard.

Juventus attempted to respond, with Kenan Yildiz coming on and nearly finding the back of the net as he drilled a shot just wide. The team faced further setbacks as they lost Nicolò Savona to a sprained ankle, and Vlahovic failed to capitalize on a one-on-one chance against Ederson.

Haaland's impact was undeniable; his first touch skillfully controlled a long clearance from Ederson, leading to a pass meant for Phil Foden. This sequence resulted in a tap-in goal, bolstering Manchester City's lead. Even as Di Gregorio made a notable save to deny Haaland again, the ball found its way to Savinho at the edge of the area, who struck a surprising scorcher off the underside of the bar with his right foot, extending the City lead to 5-1.

Despite the scoreline being heavily against them, Juventus did manage to score a late goal to reduce the deficit when Kenan Yildiz sent Vlahovic running through with a smart through ball. In stoppage time, Di Gregorio showcased his reflexes once more by denying Rayan Cherki in a one-on-one situation, but the game concluded with a disappointing scoreline for Juventus.

Final Score: Juventus 2 - 5 Manchester City
Scorers: Doku 9’ (M), Koopmeiners 11’ (J), Kalulu og 26’ (M), Haaland 52’ (M), Foden 69’ (M), Savinho 76’ (M), Vlahovic 85’ (J)