| Julian Alvarez second striker of Manchester City and Argentina lifts the trophy after winning with his team the final of the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 between Manchester City and Fluminense at the King Abdullah Sports City on 22 December 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. |
Julian Alvarez scored twice as Manchester City won the Fifa Club World Cup for the first time by beating Brazilians Fluminense in Saudi Arabia.
Pep Guardiola's side, taking part in the tournament after winning last season's Champions League, made the ideal start as Alvarez struck after 40 seconds, chesting in from close range after Nathan Ake's long-range strike hit the post.
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They added a second in the 27th minute when Nino turned Phil Foden's cross into the back of his own net.
England's Foden then got on the scoresheet himself in the second half when he darted through the middle to prod in Alvarez's cross, before the Argentine forward got his second in the 88th minute with a clinical strike into the far corner.
Success meant City emulated Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea in lifting the Club World Cup, but became the first English side to win five trophies in a calendar year.
The Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season was followed by the Uefa Super Cup in August.
"It was an incredible year," said Guardiola. "Today we closed the chapter. We won everything we could. Now time to try again."
But some of the shine was taken off their victory by the sight of Rodri - so influential for the side - going off injured towards the end of the second half.
Meanwhile, Egyptian side Al Ahly claimed third place with a 4-2 win against Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan.
