In the first friendly match in Japan, also the first official departure since the Champions League final in June, Man City put up a relatively powerful squad.
Man City’s starting lineup with the framework of Nathan Ake – Manuel Akanji – Kyle Walker – John Stones – Jack Grealish – Julian Alvarez, added rookie Kovacic in midfield, looks quite strong but still seems to lack adhesive and effectiveness when names like Kevin De Bruyne or Erling Haaland sit on the bench.
Man City’s main players sit on the bench at the beginning of the match.
The two teams entered very closely, but Yokohama Marinos boldly launched dangerous attacks that made Man City really worried. In the 27th minute, the home team counterattacked very quickly and ended with a strong shot from Anderson Lopes. Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega pushed the ball, but the Brazilian striker of the home team Lopes still managed to hit Man City’s net.
Not stopping there, in the 37th minute, Yokohama Marinos had a sharp attack on the wing and Ken Matsubara easily defeated goalkeeper Stefan Ortega in an empty position.
Watch Man City crush the host Yokohama Marinos:
Two quick goals made Man City touch pride and focus on attacking to find an equalizer. In the 40th minute, John Stones hit the opponent’s net after a good combination with Julian Alvarez and two minutes before the end of the first half, Julian Alvarez himself had a close shot, leveling the gap 2-2.
After the break, coach Pep Guardiola changed 10/11 positions on the field, except for goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and the presence of key players such as De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Laporte, Phil Foden and especially Erling Haaland made the visitors play more confident.
The Norwegian striker only took 6 minutes to be on the field to have a goal with a corner kick.
Man City pressed hard and got more Rodri’s 72nd minute goal. The home team stubbornly kept the game and shortened the gap to only 3-4 in the 86th minute after breaking the offside trap and then escaping to score Kenta Inoue’s goal. In the 92nd minute, Joao Cancelo had a horizontal stretch as set for Haaland to easily shoot the ball into an empty net. In the end, Man City won with a score of 5-3 against Yokohama Marinos.
Witnessing Haaland’s impressive performance, coach Pep Guardiola sent a “warning”, that the Norwegian striker will play much better than last year, when he scored 52 goals on all fronts in the first season joining Man City.
“Haaland is stronger and will definitely be more explosive than last season. The way he enters the game with confidence and efficiency makes everyone think this year will be very special for Haaland. Let’s wait and see Haaland perform and that is what Man City expect.”
