Julian Alvarez produced the quickest goal ever in a Club World Cup final (Picture: AP)
Manchester City have won the Club World Cup for the first time ever after a 4-0 victory over Fluminense in Saudi Arabia.
Two goals from Julian Alvarez, plus a strike from Phil Foden and Nino’s own goal secured a historic win for City against their Brazilian opponents.
It is the fifth major trophy Pep Guardiola’s side have lifted in 2023 following triumphs in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Super Cup.
City have become the fourth English side to lift the Club World Cup trophy following Chelsea in 2021, Liverpool in 2019 and Manchester United in 2008.
Guardiola’s men got off to the perfect start when Nathan Ake surged forward and saw his shot from the edge of the box tipped onto the post by Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio, with Argentine forward Alvarez slotting home the rebound with his chest into an empty net with less than 45 seconds on the clock.
City goalkeeper Ederson appeared to give away a penalty on 16 minutes – lunging at his opponent inside the box and clearly brining him down – but he was saved by the offside flag, a tight call which was checked by VAR.
Fluminense started to dominate possession, much to Guardiola’s frustration on the touchline, but it did not take long for the European champions to double their lead after Foden’s cross deflected off Nino and into the net on 27 minutes.
Ederson produced a brilliant save just before half time, with Jhon Arias’ header looking destined for the back of the net, but he launched himself to his right to claw it away and Fabio then produced a key stop to deny Jack Grealish.
City almost made it three just after the break with Fabio forced into a double save as the Fluminense goalkeeper palmed away Foden’s effort from range and then reacted quickly to keep out Bernardo Silva’s stooping header.
The champions of England wanted a penalty when Rico Lewis went down in the box after a tackle from former Real Madrid star Marcelo – but the referee and VAR were not interested – and City continued to apply pressure with Fabio made to make yet another impressive save from Foden’s drilled shot across goal.
Kyle Walker lifts the Club World Cup – Man City fifth trophy of 2023 (Photo: Getty)
Foden finally got the reward for his hard work as he made it 3-0 with 72 minutes on the clock, sliding the ball into the net from Alvarez’s cross following impressive work from Mateo Kovacic in the build-up in what was a brilliant attacking move.
Alvarez grabbed his second goal of the game with two minutes of normal time remaining to rubber-stamp the victory, drilling a low finish past Fabio and into the bottom corner.
More: Trending
It was not all good news for City as star midfielder Rodri hobbled off with a nasty looking injury – which could have a big impact on their Premier League title hopes if he is ruled out long-term – with Guardiola’s men already five points off Arsenal.
But for now, City will celebrate becoming champions of the world for the first time in the club’s history, before returning to action on Wednesday with a trip to Everton in the top-flight.
MORE : Failure is normal for every team but Manchester City, says Rodri
MORE : Man City star’s mansion ‘raided and trashed by burglars while player was abroad’