29/05 - 20:00
Julian Alvarez scored a brace as Manchester City swept aside Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense to win the Club World Cup in Jeddah on Friday evening.
Argentine striker Alvarez got City off to the perfect start with a 1st-minute opener and an own goal from the Brazilians put Pep Guardiola's side firmly in control at the break.
Phil Foden added a third on 72 minutes before Alvarez wrapped up a comfortable victory with a goal on the stroke of full-time.
Premier League champions, Champions League winners and now world champions, the Citizens enjoyed a historic night - but it came at a cost with their midfield lynchpin Rodri limping off with what appeared to be a bad knee injury midway through the second period.
The Action: With neither side having won the competition before, a new name was destined to be engraved on the Club World Cup this year - and City made sure it was theirs.
Taking part in the tournament following their success in last season's Champions League, the Citizens made a fantastic start to the contest and never looked back.
With the prolific Erling Haaland injured, young striker Alvarez led the line for the Premier League side in Saudi Arabia and the Argentine struck inside the opening minute - chesting in from close in after Nathan Ake's long-range drive had rebounded off the post.
A second goal was always likely to be enough against Fernando Diniz's Fluminense - and City added a crucial second goal albeit with a slice of luck. Phil Foden made inroads and the England man's cross was deflected into his own net by Flu captain Nino to give the Brazilians an uphill task.
After the interval, Foden ensured his own name was on the scoresheet when he nipped through to guide home Alvarez's cross - the Argentina forward then claiming his second of the night with a sharp finish into the corner to complete the scoring.
The big downside of the evening was the influential Rodri being substituted with a nasty-looking injury just after Foden had scored City's third.
Victory meant that Pep Guardiola's side became the first-ever English side to win five trophies in a calendar year - and City join crosstown rivals Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea in lifting the Club World Cup.
Egyptian side Al Ahly finished third in the tournament after a 4-2 win against Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan.
4-0 | ||
Julián Álvarez 1' 88' Phil Foden 72' | Nino 27' (o.g.) |
