Summary:
- Manchester City thrashed Al Ain 6–0, with Gündogan scoring twice and teenager Claudio Echeverri netting on his first start.
- Erling Haaland added a penalty, while Oscar Bobb and new signing Rayan Cherki completed the rout late on.
- Gündogan, linked with a move to Galatasaray, said he is “very happy” at City and believes he still has “several years” at the top level.
Manchester City showed no mercy as they hammered Al Ain 6–0 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, securing their place in the Club World Cup round of 16 with a commanding display.
Gündogan on Man City: “I’m Very Happy Here.”
Ilkay Gündogan led the charge, scoring twice in a match whose fate was basically decided within the first half-hour.
The German midfielder, who is reportedly a target for Galatasaray, had his first breakthrough in the 8th minute with a delicate lob that may have been more accidental than intentional.
Gündogan said post-match when asked about staying at City,
I think so, yes. I have a one-year contract and I’m very happy here. I think everyone knows that.
Teenage prospect Claudio Echeverri marked his first start for City in style, curling home a well-placed free-kick for City’s second after Matheus Nunes was brought down.
Though he briefly needed treatment after a collision, the Argentine midfielder bounced back almost immediately to make his mark.
Gündogan struck again in the 73rd minute, dinking a lovely finish over the keeper after a slick build-up involving Bernardo Silva.
Haaland Make It 3-0
Erling Haaland made it 3–0 on the stroke of halftime, converting from the penalty spot after a VAR review overturned the original non-call on a foul against Manuel Akanji.
The Norwegian had already squandered two decent chances earlier in the half, including a narrow-angle shot after rounding the keeper.
Despite having no less than 11 changes to their starting lineup from their win over Wydad Casablanca, City stayed in full control.
While a few lapses existed, including a dangerous Al Ain break that required a smart save from Stefan Ortega, nothing prevented them from leaving the stadium without their victory.
Late goals from substitutes Oscar Bobb and new signing Rayan Cherki completed the rout, with both players showing confidence and precision in front of the goal.
City will now face Juventus in Orlando on Thursday to determine who tops Group G, with Real Madrid potentially awaiting the runner-up in the first knockout round.
Reflecting on his performance and future, Gündogan added:
I’m fit. I feel really good and I want to play on the highest level for much longer. Also in last season I didn’t miss a game, so I’m available… I still believe that I have several years in me.
With performances like this, it’s hard to disagree.
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