Image Credit- CNN.
Manchester City defeated Fluminense 4-0 on Friday to win the Club World Cup, finishing off an amazing year with yet another trophy. With five trophies so far this calendar year—winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Super Cup—Pep Guardiola's team has become the first English club to achieve this feat. A highly charged night in Saudi Arabia saw Manchester City outperform its Brazilian opponents, providing the last missing piece of the puzzle.
It is interesting to note that Manchester City seized the lead in just forty seconds. After Brazilian left-back Marcelo mishandled a pass in the opening minutes, Nathan Aké was able to take a long-range shot. The defender's attempt was deflected by the post, but Julián Álvarez, the forward, was at the perfect location to use his chest to turn the rebound into the net.
The second Manchester City goal was an own goal as Fluminense defender Nino blocked Phil Foden's attempted cross into his own net. City now extended its advantage before halftime, looking increasingly dangerous. In the 72nd minute, Foden netted the third goal of the game after being prodded from close range. In the 88th minute, Álvarez concluded an incredible display with a clean strike into the far corner, capping the thrashing.
Although a brawl broke out between players on the field after the final whistle, the game will be remembered as another great night for City despite some unpleasant events. Furthermore no other English side has ever accomplished it, hence it will live in the memory of all football fans for a very long time.
The Champions now return to England to take on a challenging Premier League title defense.
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