Phil Foden inspired defending champions Manchester City to victory over Moroccan title-winners Wydad Casablanca in their Fifa Club World Cup opener in Philadelphia.
The Premier League side had seen fellow European heavyweights Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea all record victories in their first games and made no mistake themselves against the north African side, helped by Foden’s return to form with a goal and assist.
Though there were banks of empty seats visible inside the stadium, City fans arrived at Lincoln Financial Field in their thousands and witnessed a masterclass from the England midfielder.
Pep Guardiola’s men were heavy favourites and made the perfect start as Foden stroked in from 12 yards out inside two minutes, before the 25-year-old’s inswinging corner was poked home by Jeremy Doku before half-time.
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri was introduced off the bench for just his second appearance since September following a serious knee injury, while Erling Haaland was given a huge ovation after entering the action and scooped a shot over from a promising position and had a late effort saved by Mehdi Benabid.
Wydad’s most notable name was debutant Nordin Amrabat – who had spells in England with Watford and most recently Hull – and his team-mates had glimmers of hope on the break, but they were unable to breach Ederson’s goal.
But City will be without Rico Lewis for Monday’s second game against Al Ain (02:00 BST) after receiving a straight red card late on for catching Samuel Obeng in the face with his boot as both players slid in for a loose ball.
