Juventus have made a resounding statement in their FIFA Club World Cup Group G opener, dispatching UAE side Al-Ain with a dominant 5-0 victory in Washington.
Two braces from Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceicao, alongside a stunning strike from Kenan Yildiz, ensured a dream start for Igor Tudor’s Bianconeri.
Despite an initial high press from Al-Ain, Juventus quickly asserted their authority. Randal Kolo Muani opened the scoring in the 11th minute, powerfully heading home a precise cross from Alberto Costa.
The floodgates then opened as Juventus showcased their attacking prowess.
Francisco Conceicao doubled the lead in the 21st minute with a slick dribble and near-post finish. Just ten minutes later, Kenan Yildiz added a moment of individual brilliance, controlling a pass from Khephren Thuram on the edge of the area before unleashing a precise right-footed shot that clipped the inside of the post for Juventus’s third.
Juventus continued their relentless attack, with Kolo Muani bagging his second goal in first-half added time, a sublime finish with the outside of his right foot from a Thuram assist, making it 4-0 at the break.
Al-Ain saw a goal disallowed early in the second half, and goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio was forced into a world-class save to deny Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba.
However, Juventus regained control, with Francisco Conceicao completing his brace in the 58th minute with a clinical left-footed strike to make it 5-0.
The Bianconeri maintained their dominance, with Kolo Muani and Douglas Luiz also coming close to adding to the tally, signaling their strong intentions for the tournament.
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