Man City 2-0 Wydad AC: Rico Lewis shown straight red card in routine Club World Cup win | OneFootball

City took the lead inside two minutes and remained in control from there

Manchester City began their Club World Cup campaign with a routine 2-0 win over Wydad AC in Philadelphia.

Jeremy Doku finished from a corner to double the lead before half-time, though Wydad impressed and did offer a threat on the counter throughout.

City remained in control though, and brought on the likes of Erling Haaland and Rodri in the second-half, with both looking rusty as passes were misplaced and chances missed.

The match ended in frustrating fashion for City as Rico Lewis was shown a straight red card in the closing stages, when he and Samuel Obeng slid in for a loose ball and Lewis hooked the ball away before catching the Wydad forward in the head as he followed through.

Lincoln Financial Field, home of the reigning Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles, was at nowhere near its 67,594 capacity - something which has been a recurring theme in the early days of the tournament - but the atmosphere generated by the 37,446 present was still lively.

The Wydad supporters, massed in red behind one of the goals with flags and a percussionist, brought a particular vibrancy and their enthusiasm perhaps deserved better their side conceding so early.

Yet it was the perfect start for City.

Manager Pep Guardiola opted to hand debuts to two of his new signings in Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki while some big stars, including Erling Haaland and Rodri, began on the bench.

Foden, looking to make a fresh start after an underwhelming 2024-25 season, was quick to step up and take responsibility.

The midfielder was in the right place to turn home after Savinho's deflected cross from the right was pushed into his direction by goalkeeper El Medhi Benabid.

Omar Marmoush shot wide soon after but Wydad, the most successful team in their country's history with 22 league titles, responded well.

Mohamed Moufid got behind the City defence and Thembinkosi Lorch was close to getting on the end of his dangerous ball inside before later attempting to catch Ederson off his line from distance.

Lorch also skipped past Vitor Reis only to slip as he shaped to shoot. He did manage to lay off to Cassius Mailula, but Ederson parried his effort.

City should have doubled their lead when Cherki picked out Foden in front of goal, but Benabid produced a fine save.

Foden quickly made amends by delivering the corner from which Doku broke free to volley in City's second three minutes before the break.

Doku could have had another after seizing on a defensive error, but Benabid turned away his shot.

City's largely American following may not have replicated the chanting of the Etihad Stadium, however, they greeted the entrances of Rodri and Haaland on the hour with fervour.

Haaland went close when he wrong-footed two defenders, but fired over from the edge of the area.

The game appeared to be winding down when Lewis sparked controversy with a challenge on Obeng.

The City defender won the ball as he slid in but caught Obeng in his follow through and was promptly dismissed, much to Guardiola's fury on the touchline.