Manchester City is one game away from winning a fifth title in 2023 after putting aside difficulties at home to easily defeat Urawa Red Diamonds 3-0 in the Club World Cup semifinals.
In a Club World Cup, the European champion has never lost to the Asian champion, and on this warm evening in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, it never seemed possible.
After defender Marius Hoibraten’s own goal took Man City until stoppage time in the first half, Mateo Kovačić and Bernardo Silva scored goals with shots during a seven-minute period early in the second half against the Japanese team.
In the final, which takes place on Saturday morning Hong Kong time, Man City is now the favourite to defeat Fluminense of Brazil.
It’s the only championship the team lacks,” said Pep Guardiola, manager of City. “The players know how important this game is for all of us at the club.”
During an unusual run in the Premier League, where the reigning champion has won just one of its last six games while conceding late goals, Guardiola’s team continues to find solace in international matches.
This month, City completed a flawless six-game winning streak in their Champions League group, capping the season with a triumphant Club World Cup debut. To its legendary trophy treble of winning the English FA Cup, Champions League, and Premier League in the previous season, City also added a UEFA Super Cup title in August.
Hoibraten deflected a pass across the goalmouth by Matheus Nunes that was unlikely to find another of the six midfield players in the starting lineup, giving City the early lead on Friday.
Argentina forward Julián Álvarez was benched by Guardiola as well, as Erling Haaland remains sidelined due to a foot injury.
