Manchester City opened their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca in Group G on Wednesday. First-half goals from Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku sealed the victory at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, despite manager Pep Guardiola resting several star players such as Erling Haaland, Rodri, Rúben Dias, and Bernardo Silva in the sweltering midday heat.
City took the lead within two minutes when Foden slammed home a rebound after Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid parried Savinho’s cross. Just before halftime, Foden turned provider, delivering a pinpoint corner that found Doku unmarked at the far post for a well-taken volley.
The Premier League champions finished the game with ten men after Rico Lewis received a straight red card in the 88th minute for a reckless tackle on Samuel Obeng.
Summer signings Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders made their debuts for City, while fellow newcomer Rayan Ait-Nouri remained an unused substitute.
Wydad showed flashes of resilience despite the early setback. Cassius Mailula nearly scored with a daring lob from midfield, and Thembinkosi Lorch came close following a swift counter-attack. However, City goalkeeper Éderson made a crucial save after a misplaced pass handed Wydad a golden chance.
City nearly added a third through Cherki’s long-range effort and a late chance for Haaland, but both were denied by Benabid’s sharp reflexes. The match was briefly interrupted by an animal-rights protester, who ran onto the field and was quickly removed by security.
City’s next fixture is against UAE side Al Ain on Sunday, while Wydad prepare to face Juventus in a pivotal Group G encounter.
Real Madrid draw with Al Hilal as Bounou saves late penalty

In contrast, Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Hilal in their Group H opener at a scorching Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. It was Xabi Alonso’s debut as head coach of the 15-time European champions, but his team struggled in the heat and humidity, with a last-minute penalty miss capping a frustrating performance.
Gonzalo García, standing in for an ill Kylian Mbappé, gave Madrid the lead in the 34th minute, calmly chipping over Yassine Bounou after a sharp team move.
However, Rúben Neves equalised for Al Hilal from the penalty spot four minutes before halftime after Raul Asencio fouled Marcos Leonardo.
Madrid had a golden opportunity to snatch the win in stoppage time when VAR awarded a penalty for a foul on Fran García, but Federico Valverde’s low shot was brilliantly saved by Bounou, sparking jubilant scenes among Al Hilal players.
Al Hilal showed early intent and nearly scored through Salem Al-Dawsari, who caused Madrid problems throughout the first half. A disallowed goal for offside kept Madrid level early on, and Al Hilal’s defensive organisation frustrated the Spanish giants all evening.
Madrid introduced Arda Güler in the second half, and the Turkish youngster hit the crossbar with a powerful shot. Garcia was also denied again by Bounou’s excellent reflexes.
Despite dominating possession, Madrid couldn’t break through again, and Alonso admitted there was “room for improvement.”
Madrid now turn their attention to a Sunday clash against Pachuca, while Al Hilal face RB Salzburg in a potentially decisive Group H showdown.
Both clubs are eyeing progression to the knockout stages, but while City look in control, Madrid will need to raise their game to match expectations.
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