On June 18, 2025, Manchester City kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign with a solid 2-0 win against Morocco’s Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, USA. The match, part of Group G, saw the defending champions take an early lead and hold firm despite a late challenge, delighting football fans watching from India and around the world. This victory puts Manchester City at the top of their group, setting a strong tone for their title defense in this exciting new 32-team tournament format.
A Fast Start for Manchester City
Manchester City, led by coach Pep Guardiola, wasted no time in making their mark. Just 1 minute and 51 seconds into the game, English star Phil Foden scored the fastest goal in Club World Cup history. The goal came after Wydad’s goalkeeper, Mehdi Benabid, failed to hold onto a shot from City’s new signing Savinho. Foden was quick to react, smashing the ball into the net with his left foot to give City a dream start. Indian fans, tuning in at 9:30 PM IST, were thrilled to see such an explosive beginning from the Premier League giants.
City kept up the pressure, dominating possession and creating chances. In the 42nd minute, they doubled their lead. Foden, who was in top form, delivered a perfect corner kick, and Belgian winger Jérémy Doku sneaked in at the back post to volley the ball home. This goal gave City a comfortable 2-0 lead going into halftime, showcasing their attacking strength and teamwork.
Wydad AC’s Brave Fight
Wydad AC, the Moroccan champions and 2022 CAF Champions League winners, didn’t make it easy for Manchester City. Despite being underdogs, they showed heart and created several scoring chances, especially in the first half. Players like Thembinkosi Lorch and Nordin Amrabat, who once played in England for Watford and Hull, troubled City’s defense with quick counter-attacks. In the 30th minute, Wydad’s Cassius Mailula had a golden opportunity after a mistake by City’s young defender Vitor Reis, but goalkeeper Ederson made a crucial save to keep the score at 1-0.
In the second half, Wydad tried to fight back with long-range shots from players like Mohamed Moufid and Ismail Moutaraji, but they couldn’t find the target. Their goalkeeper, Benabid, redeemed himself with a brilliant save to stop City’s star striker Erling Haaland, who came off the bench, from scoring in a one-on-one situation. Despite their efforts, Wydad couldn’t break through City’s solid defense, led by Nathan Aké and new signing Tijjani Reijnders.
Late Drama with a Red Card
The match wasn’t without its share of drama. In the 88th minute, Manchester City’s young full-back Rico Lewis was shown a straight red card after a controversial challenge on Wydad’s Samuel Obeng. Lewis won the ball but caught Obeng in the face with his follow-through, leading to a heated debate among fans. The referee’s decision was upheld by VAR, meaning Lewis will miss City’s next game against Al Ain. While some Indian fans on social media felt the red card was harsh, others agreed it was the right call due to the high boot.
Despite playing with 10 men for the final minutes, Manchester City held on for a clean sheet, thanks to smart defending and Ederson’s alertness in goal. The match ended 2-0, giving City three crucial points in Group G, which also includes Juventus and Al Ain.
Standout Players and New Faces
Phil Foden was the hero of the match, earning the “Superior Player of the Match” award for his goal and assist. His performance was a reminder of why he’s one of England’s brightest talents. Jérémy Doku also shone, scoring his first goal since January and causing problems for Wydad’s defense with his speed and skill. For Indian fans, seeing Doku’s flair was a highlight, as his style is often compared to wingers like Neymar.
Pep Guardiola gave debuts to two new signings, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, who both impressed. Cherki, a 21-year-old French forward, showed flashes of brilliance, nearly scoring with a long-range shot. Reijnders, a Dutch midfielder, was a powerhouse in the middle, completing 68 out of 74 passes and making key interceptions. The return of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who came off the bench after recovering from a knee injury, was another positive for City fans in India, who have followed his journey closely.
A Protest on the Pitch
The match had an unusual moment in the second half when an animal rights activist ran onto the field, holding a sign that read, “Morocco: stop shooting dogs and cats.” The protester, linked to PETA, was quickly removed by security, but the incident briefly stopped play. This moment sparked discussions among Indian fans online, with some expressing surprise at the protest during a football match.
Why This Match Matters for Indian Fans
For Indian football fans, Manchester City is a popular team, thanks to their exciting style of play and stars like Haaland, Foden, and Rodri. The FIFA Club World Cup, being held in the USA, is a big deal because it brings together top clubs from around the world, including African teams like Wydad AC. Indian fans, who often stay up late to watch European football, were eager to see how City would perform after a trophyless 2024-25 season. This win is a sign that Pep Guardiola’s team is hungry to reclaim their spot as one of the world’s best.
Unfortunately, the match wasn’t shown on TV in India, but fans could stream it live on the DAZN app and website. Social media was buzzing with reactions, with many Indian fans praising Foden’s early goal and debating the red card decision. Posts on X showed excitement for City’s strong start, with some fans already dreaming of back-to-back Club World Cup titles.
What’s Next for Manchester City and Wydad AC?
Manchester City’s next match is against Al Ain on June 22, 2025, in Atlanta, where they’ll look to continue their winning run. Without Rico Lewis, Pep Guardiola may need to adjust his lineup, but with stars like Haaland and Rodri ready to play bigger roles, City remains a strong favorite. Wydad AC will face Juventus on June 22 in Philadelphia, hoping to bounce back and keep their hopes alive in Group G. Only the top two teams from the group will advance to the round of 16, so every match is crucial.
A Promising Start for City
Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Wydad AC was a confident start to their Club World Cup journey. Despite the heat in Philadelphia and a late red card, they showed their quality and depth. For Indian fans, this match was a perfect mix of goals, drama, and new talent, making it a memorable night. As the tournament continues, all eyes will be on City to see if they can lift the trophy again and bring more joy to their supporters in India and beyond.
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