In a memorable match, Man vs Fluminense in Jeddah on Friday night, Manchester City guarded their fifth trophy of the year. They triumphed 4-0 over Fluminense in the Club World Cup final. Pep Guardiola’s side showcased dominance from the very beginning, with Julian Alvarez scoring within the first minute. Phil Foden, in addition to an own goal, contributed to City’s booming victory.
In a clash of champions at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City, Man City vs Fluminense will compete for soccer supremacy in the 20th FIFA Club World Cup final. This match marks the end of the tournament in its current format. The stakes are high, as the winner will wear the crown of the soccer world for the next year.
Man City enters the final after a challenging run in the Premier League Champions, with only one win in their last six games. However, a recent win against Urawa Red Diamonds has revived their form. Fluminense, the Copa Libertadores winners from Brazil, overcame Egypt’s Al Ahly to secure their spot in the final. A win for City would place them in the honoured company alongside Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea as English clubs who were victorious in the past.
The 4-0 final score equalled the highest margin of victory in a FIFA Club World Cup final, a record previously held by Guardiola’s Barcelona 12 years ago. Guardiola now stands as the first manager to clinch this trophy four times, achieving the feat with three different clubs.
Julian Alvarez, named Player of the Match, showcased his prowess with two superbly taken goals and a key assist for Foden’s goal. Despite recent Premier League challenges, City’s lead, established in the opening 40 seconds, left little doubt about the outcome at King Abdullah Sports City.
Key stats:
- Final Score: Manchester City 4-0 Fluminense
- Record-Equalling Victory: Joint-highest margin in a FIFA Club World Cup final
- Pep Guardiola’s Side: First manager to win the trophy four times, with three different clubs
Player ratings:
- Man City: Ederson 7; Walker 7,Stones 7, Dias 7, Ake 8; Lewis 7, Rodri 8; Foden 8, Silva 7, Grealish 7; Alvarez 9.
- Fluminense: Fabio 7; Xavier 5, Nino 4, Marcelo 5,Melo 5; Andre 4, Martinelli 6, Arias 6, Ganso 5, Keno 4; Cano 5.
Match highlights
- 1′ – GOAL! Manchester City 1-0 Fluminense (Alvarez): Alvarez scores brilliantly after Fabio turns Ake’s strike onto the post.
- 27′ – GOAL! Manchester City 2-0 Fluminense (Nino’s own goal): Foden’s attempt to square the ball results in Nino’s own plan.
- 72′ – GOAL! Manchester City 3-0 Fluminense (Foden): Foden turns in Alvarez’s cross for City’s third goal.
- 88′ – GOAL! Man City 4-0 Fluminense (Alvarez): Alvarez seals the triumph with a definite shot.
Pep Guardiola highlighted that the Club World Cup win marked the closure of a main chapter for Manchester City. Man City vs Fluminense, the win added to City’s impressive 2023 draw, including the Premier League Champions, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and Super Cup win.
Expect a tight contest, but Manchester City is poised to secure their latest silverware with a 2-1 victory over Fluminense. This triumph would be a fitting send-off for the competition’s current format before next year’s changes.
