Juventus made a strong start to their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup match, beating Al Ain 5-0. This was a big win against a team that had only let in one goal in their last seven games.
The Italian side looked sharp from the start and took the lead after just 11 minutes. Randal Kolo Muani headed in a cross from Alberto Costa after a well-worked move. Although Al Ain tried to attack, they didn’t trouble Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio much. Juventus doubled their lead when Francisco Conceição weaved past defenders and scored with a shot that deflected off Ramy Rabia.
Not long after, Khéphren Thuram had a shot blocked but passed to Kenan Yıldız, who fired in a brilliant long-range strike off the post. Juventus kept the pressure on, with Yıldız hitting the side netting and Conceição having a shot deflected for a corner. Just before half-time, Kolo Muani added a fourth goal by running onto Thuram’s pass and calmly finishing.
Al Ain came out fighting in the second half and thought they had scored, but Rabia’s effort was ruled out for offside. Di Gregorio had to make a good save from Kodjo Laba, while Weston McKennie missed a chance for Juventus. Soon after, Conceição scored his second goal with a smart solo run and finish.
Kolo Muani almost completed his hat-trick, but was stopped by Al Ain’s goalkeeper Rui Patrício. Douglas Luiz went close twice, including hitting the post, as Juventus comfortably saw out the match.
This was Juventus’ third win in a row, something they hadn’t done since February, and a confidence boost ahead of their next match against Wydad AC. The win also ended Al Ain’s seven-match winning run, and things won’t get easier for the UAE side, who now face Manchester City.
