Report

Man City beat Fluminense to win FIFA Club World Cup

22 Dec 2023
City winners

Alvarez nets twice and Foden also on target as Guardiola's side make history with FIFTH trophy in 12 months

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Julian Alvarez scored twice as Manchester City swept aside Brazilian team Fluminense 4-0 to win the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time.

Pep Guardiola's side also became the first English club to win the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup in the space of 12 months.

On a historic night in Saudi Arabia, Guardiola also became the first manager to win the Club World Cup four times, with Mateo Kovavic the first player to win it with three different clubs, after his successes with Real Madrid and Chelsea.

How the match unfolded

Man City made a dream start as Alvarez scored inside the first minute, reacting first to chest the ball into an empty net after Nathan Ake’s long-range strike struck a post.

Alvarez goal
Julian Alvarez (partially hidden) scores the opening goal for Man City against Fluminense

In scoring against the Brazilian side Alvarez has now netted in six different club competitions - the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield and Club World Cup.

City bossed the opening stages and added a second goal on 27 minutes when Phil Foden’s cross was turned into his own net by Fluminense defender Mota Filho. 

But City were still kept on their toes and had Ederson to thank for a superb save to deny Jhon Arias from a corner, before Jack Grealish's curling shot was tipped round a post by Lopes Maciel at the other end.

City were forced to reshuffle defensively when Rodri was forced off with a suspected knee injury, to be replaced by Manuel Akanji.

However the Spaniard allayed any fears post-match and said he will be fine to play in City's next match against Everton.

"I almost cried after the tackle but I’m fine. I will be fine to play vs Everton, no issues."

Alvarez turned provider with 18 minutes remaining, playing an inviting ball across goal that Foden slid home.

Foden goal
Foden cele

City weren't finished, however, and Alvarez put the icing on the cake with a sublime angled finish from a Matheus Nunes cutback to make it 4-0 on 88 minutes.

Guardiola's side will now look to keep the momentum going and finish the calendar year on a winning note when they return to Premier League action at Goodison Park on 27 December.

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