Juventus of Italy kicked off their campaign in the FIFA Club World Cup with a resounding victory over the UAE’s Al Ain, winning 5-0 in a match held on Thursday at “Audi Field,” as part of Group 7.
The Italian team entered the match with determination, establishing their dominance from the early minutes, leading 4-0 at halftime amidst a noticeable collapse in Al Ain’s defense, despite the new signings, which included five defenders.
Frenchman Randall Kolo Muani opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a brilliant header following an exquisite cross from Alberto Costa. Portuguese player Francisco Conceição added the second goal in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a poor pass from Egyptian Ramy Rabia inside the penalty area, followed by a feint and a successful shot into the net.
In the 31st minute, Turkish player Kenan Yildiz expanded the lead with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, before Kolo Muani returned to score his second and his team’s fourth goal in the 45+4th minute, after a long pass from Khephren Thuram and a clear run on goal.
The second half was not much different, as the video assistant referee disallowed a goal for Al Ain’s Kwame Otuon due to offside in the 47th minute. Conceição capped off the scoring with a fifth goal in the 58th minute, following an individual effort and a precise low shot from the right flank.
With this result, Al Ain suffered their first defeat after seven matches without loss, marking a disappointing start to their participation in the tournament. Despite winning the AFC Champions League 2024 and reaching the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2018, the team appeared far from their best, reminiscent of last season’s disastrous campaign in which they left empty-handed.
This victory marked Juventus’s third consecutive win, a streak they had not achieved since February, placing the Italian side at the top of their group alongside Manchester City, who earlier defeated Morocco’s Wydad 2-0.
