Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: In a landmark achievement for English football, Manchester City claimed their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023™ title, triumphing over Brazilian side Fluminense with an emphatic 4-0 win. This victory marks a significant milestone as City becomes the first English club to win the tournament on their debut attempt, a feat that eluded giants Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea. The win also elevated coach Pep Guardiola above Carlo Ancelotti, establishing him as the first to secure four titles in this competition.
The match, held in Riyadh, was barely underway when Manchester City made their intentions clear. The game’s fastest goal in the tournament’s history came courtesy of Julian Alvarez, who reacted swiftly to a rebound off the post from a Nathan Ake attempt, chesting the ball into an open net.
City’s dominance continued as they doubled their lead in the 27th minute. A clever move from Rodri found Phil Foden, whose cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Fluminense defender Nino, giving City a comfortable lead going into half-time.
The second half saw Guardiola’s team maintain their control, and their efforts were rewarded in the 72nd minute. Alvarez, turning provider this time, delivered a perfect cross for Foden, who made no mistake from close range, pushing the scoreline to 3-0.
As the match neared its conclusion, Alvarez, who was later named Man of the Match, showcased his outstanding skills once more. In the 88th minute, he displayed sublime control before unleashing a powerful shot past Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio, sealing a 4-0 victory for the English champions.
This historic triumph not only cements Manchester City’s place in world football but also highlights the tactical prowess of Pep Guardiola, who has now surpassed Carlo Ancelotti’s record in the competition. The win is a testament to City’s growing stature on the global stage and marks a new chapter in their illustrious history.
