Report as Manchester City won the Club World Cup trophy thanks to a 4-0 win over Fluminense; Julian Alvarez's double, a Nino own goal and Phil Foden's strike sealed the win for City in Saudi Arabia; Rodri limped off just after City's third goal with a knee issue but it is not serious
Saturday 23 December 2023 07:18, UK
Manchester City added the Club World Cup to their trophy collection as Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden helped them breeze to a 4-0 final win over a Fluminense.
City took just 45 seconds to open the scoring in Jeddah as Alvarez chested the ball home on the rebound after Nathan Ake had struck the post, before Foden's cross forced an own goal from Fluminense defender Nino on 27 minutes.
Foden then capped off a marvellous individual display by tapping home a cross from Alvarez - who himself steered home a late finish from the edge of the box.
The night was soured slightly for City as Rodri limped off injured and in pain after a rough tackle by Fluminense substitute Alexsander. But the Spaniard confirmed to Sky Sports News after the game that, despite initial fears over a serious injury, he is fine to play Everton on December 27.
"I was very lucky today, to be honest - I think it was one of the worst tackles they have done [on me] in my career," he said.
"I was so scared because I felt my knee but fortunately it was nothing. I said to the player you cannot do these type of things.
"Today [Friday], I won more than a trophy. I go home safe. To be honest I felt very close to crying because I felt worried about what happened. I have pain, because it was dramatic the way it goes. But nothing affects me."
That Rodri scare was the only blot on a successful night for Pep Guardiola, who picked up his 14th trophy as City manager as a result of this triumph.
A brilliant start to the game saw the deadlock opened in quick-fire fashion as Fluminense gave the ball away from a Marcelo throw-in and Ake was allowed time and space to fire at goal.
The left-back's effort struck the inside of the post, leaving Alvarez to chest the rebound home in an instinctive finish.
Despite the very early setback, Fluminense stuck to their bold game plan of playing out the back wherever possible - which included some very close shaves on the goalline for veteran goalkeeper Fabio, pressed constantly by City's swarming attackers.
Despite the Brazilian side holding 60 per cent possession in the first half, City still carved them open for a second.
Rodri found Foden to the left of the area and the England international strode forward and crossed, only for Nino to inadvertently divert it past Fabio.
It was a sobering and tough half for Fluminense, whose best chance in the opening period came when Ederson had to superbly palm away Jhon Arias' free header from a corner just before the break.
Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio made a smart stop to deny Jack Grealish's curling effort before half-time and made three more after the break. First, Foden stung his palms from the edge of the box, with the 43-year-old goalkeeper also equal to Bernardo Silva's header at the rebound.
City then showed ingenuity from a free-kick routine as Foden was slipped in down the left of the box, but Fabio was equal to that effort too.
Guardiola then had a major scare when Rodri went down injured following a rough tackle by Fluminense substitute Alexsander, and while the Spaniard tried to carry on, he went off just after City's third.
That goal came through Alvarez getting down the left to cross for Foden to tap home a deserved goal - but City's thoughts were likely to be on Rodri's injury status.
There was still time for Alvarez to rifle home a fourth from the edge of the area as a fourth sealed Guardiola's fourth Club World Cup - and his 37th trophy as a manager.
The final whistle saw ugly scenes between Grealish and veteran midfielder Felipe Melo, but then City turned that moment of anger into joy as they lifted the trophy.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola:
"I am so proud of this club. What we have done is an outstanding achievement. To win this trophy is to be the best team in the world and our players, our coaches, our backroom staff, all of them work hard every single day to bring us this success.
"As a manager it is what I am most proud of; that we are always there. No matter how much we win, no matter what trophies we lift, we are there again to fight for the next one.
"To win the treble was truly special, but to win two more trophies and now hold these five major titles shows the unique mentality of this team, of the club and its fans.
"It is something no other English team has ever achieved and we will always remember this incredible time we spent together."
Manchester City captain Kyle Walker:
"We've shown over the past 12 months we are the best team in the world. Our results prove that and the consistency we have managed has been amazing.
"To win these five trophies - for me, the five biggest prizes available to us - is incredible. I am so proud to have been a part of this and I can honestly say it's an honour to play alongside these players; I couldn't ask for better team-mates.
"And it isn't just the players - the team behind the team here at City are the best you could ever ask for and I want to put on record my thanks and appreciation for every single person who works here day-to-day to try and help us be the best we can be.
"The level of quality in football across the world right now is scary. It's really, really hard to win consistently, so to be sat here today having won the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Champions League, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup is really special and a huge achievement. It's been the best year I have had in football and something I will never, ever forget."
Manchester City return to Premier League action at Everton on Wednesday December 27; kick-off 8.15pm. Pep Guardiola's side then host Sheffield United on Saturday December 30; kick-off 3pm.
