Manchester City there. The winners of the last Champions League got the better of the Japanese Urawa Red Diamonds (3-0) this Tuesday, in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. A trophy that the English club has never won in its history. An own goal from Marius Hoibraaten and achievements from Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva were enough for the happiness of Pep Guardiola’s Citizens, without Erling Haaland (injured), who have a meeting with the Brazilians of Fluminense, holders of the Copa Libertadores , Friday (7 p.m.).
Largely favorites in this duel against the winner of the Asian Champions League, the Skyblues confiscated the entry ball on the pitch in Jeddah. The technical difference between the two formations resulted, unsurprisingly, in a one-sided game. Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva were the first to stand out, the Portuguese attempting two strikes on the Englishman’s serves (15th, 19th). The Japanese block grouped within its thirty meters, Rodri tried from afar without success (8th, 28th).
The most dangerous man was ultimately Matheus Nunes, preferred to Julian Alvarez in the attacking trio in the absence of Erling Haaland. After coming up against Nishikawa (31st), Red Diamonds goalkeeper, the former Wolverhampton player broke the opposing lock just before the break. His low cross from six meters forced poor Hoibraaten to score against his side (1-0, 45 1). The advantage taken at the end of a controlled half, Pep Guardiola could be satisfied.
Especially since the reigning European champion was not going to tremble for a single second after returning from the locker room, even if Urawa attempted his first and only strike after an error from Kyle Walker (46th). In six minutes, City folded the matter. Launched full axis, Mateo Kovacic doubled the strength (2-0, 53rd) before Bernardo Silva added to the tally following a repelled strike from Nunes (3-0, 59th). At a slow trot, the Citizens then contented themselves with managing the end of the match. The entrants Oscar Bobb and Julian Alvarez would have liked to participate in the party but the precision was lacking in the last gesture (70th, 77th, 85th). Almost technically unemployed, Ederson stood out with a decisive exit (80th) to preserve the clean sheet. A way to complete a perfect evening for Manchester City, who undoubtedly expect more response in three days in the final against the Fluminense of Marcelo and Ganso.
