Man City cruise to Club World Cup win but Lewis sees red | OneFootball

Man City Make Confident Start in Club World Cup Despite Lewis Red Card

Fast start in Philadelphia sets the tone

Manchester City needed just 90 seconds to underline their intentions at the Club World Cup, as Phil Foden struck early in a composed 2-0 win over Wydad AC in Philadelphia. It was a performance that rarely rose above second gear, yet Guardiola’s side asserted control from the outset and never truly relinquished it.

This was not about fireworks or flair. It was about business. And City, even with a rotated squad, treated it like exactly that.

Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders were handed debuts, both operating with the calm assurance expected of Guardiola recruits. Foden, searching for a return to form after a subdued season, wasted no time in stamping his influence, converting after Savinho’s deflected cross had been spilled into his path by Wydad keeper El Medhi Benabid.

Doku doubles the lead as Wydad offer resistance

Though City dictated possession, Wydad AC, Morocco’s 22-time league champions, refused to be overwhelmed. Mohamed Moufid’s surge behind the City backline sparked brief panic, while Thembinkosi Lorch’s clever footwork and Cassius Mailula’s strike forced Ederson into action. Yet moments of threat proved fleeting.

City responded with their hallmark efficiency. Foden, at the heart of it again, delivered a pinpoint corner which Jeremy Doku thumped home on the volley. At 2-0 and with half-time approaching, it felt like the contest was already drifting towards conclusion.

There was, however, a distinct liveliness in the stands. Lincoln Financial Field may have been half-full, yet the 37,446 fans created a vibrant atmosphere. Wydad’s supporters, clustered in red behind one goal, added colour and rhythm to the occasion, their energy undimmed despite the early setback.

Guardiola turns to Haaland and Rodri

With the result seemingly safe, Guardiola introduced Rodri and Erling Haaland on the hour. The pair received a thunderous welcome, though their impact was muted. Haaland, ever the prowler, danced past defenders but fired over. Rodri’s touch lacked its usual precision. The rust was visible, understandable, and ultimately irrelevant.

City’s grip on proceedings remained firm. There were chances to extend the lead, with Doku again testing Benabid following a defensive slip, but 2-0 felt an accurate reflection of the balance.

Lewis red mars a controlled performance

The main talking point arrived late, and it wasn’t about goals or debutants. It was Rico Lewis, sliding in for a 50-50 with Samuel Obeng, who became the centre of controversy. Lewis won the ball cleanly, but his follow-through caught the Wydad forward high on the head. The referee reached for red. Lewis, stunned. Guardiola, incensed.

It was a flashpoint that didn’t alter the result but will linger longer than most other moments in the match. City, efficient and unruffled for 89 minutes, were left stewing over a decision that threatened to sour an otherwise routine night.

For all the doubts surrounding the Club World Cup’s expansion and relevance, City treated this opener with enough care to suggest they intend to lift the trophy. The real tests may yet come, but this was a reminder of their pedigree, their discipline and their hunger for more silverware.