FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023: Manchester City thump Fluminense to secure complete set of honours
UEFA Champions League holders beat Copa Libertadores champions 4-0 in Jeddah to make it five trophies in a calendar year.
Football
Manchester City added yet another trophy to their collection by claiming a first FIFA Club World Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Friday (23 December).
Julian Alvarez scored twice as Pep Guardiola's UEFA Champions League holders eased past Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense 4-0 to earn a fifth trophy of 2023.
Alvarez opened the scoring after just 39 seconds, chesting in a rebound after Nathan Ake had hit the post following an error from veteran left-back Marcelo.
A Nino own goal doubled City's advantage in the 27th minute, and then Phil Foden - whose centre had deflected off Nino into the net - converted Alvarez's cross to settle the contest 18 minutes from time.
There was still time for City to score again with Alvarez firing home his second past Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio.
City have now won every major trophy available to them with Guardiola looking to the future.
He told reporters afterwards, "We had a feeling we would close the chapter, we won all the titles, there's nothing else to win. I had a feeling the job was done, it was over.
"Now it's Christmas time, buy another book and start to write it again. The last eight years, it's over.
"It's unbelievable what we have done. Today we celebrate on the plane, tomorrow rest, try to buy a new book and start to write beautiful histories."
The defending English Premier League football champions entered the competition at the semi-final stage where they defeated Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan 3-0.
This is the last FIFA Club World Cup in its current format with the next tournament - to be held in the United States across four weeks in the middle of 2025 - featuring 32 teams including 12 from Europe.
There is little time for City to dwell on their latest triumph. They host Everton in the English Premier League on Wednesday with four points to make up on leaders Arsenal.