22/12/2023
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.
In scoring against the Brazilian side Alvarez has now netted in six different competitions - the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield.
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.
Alvarez turned provider with 18 minutes remaining, playing an inviting ball across goal that Foden slid home.
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 Everton on 27 December.
