Monday's briefing: Man City progress as Real win marred by racism allegation

Real Madrid got their first victory in the United States after recovering from an early red card to beat Mexican side Pachuca 3-1 in Charlotte despite missing Kylian Mbappe, while Juventus again impressed.
Sensational six to secure their place in the next round. 🥶#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/r5CkjGkLQW
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 23, 2025
Ilkay Gundogan scored twice as Manchester City thrashed Al Ain 6-0 to secure their place in the last 16.
The Premier League side were far too strong for their Abu Dhabi-based opponents under a closed roof at Atlanta's spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The result seemed certain from the moment Gundogan, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, opened the scoring – perhaps fortuitously – by lobbing the keeper after eight minutes.
Teenager Claudio Echeverri marked his first City start by adding the second from a free-kick and Erling Haaland made it 3-0 from the penalty spot.
Gundogan finished off a neat move after 73 minutes before substitutes Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki struck late on to ensure City and Juventus will progress from Group G.
Juventus had earlier beaten Wydad Casablanca 4-1 in Philadelphia to also book their place in the knockout stage.
🫲 Boom 🫱 pic.twitter.com/KKINXpXh7e
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 22, 2025
Real Madrid overcame an early red card for defender Raul Asencio to beat Mexican side Pachuca 3-1 in Charlotte and close in on the last 16 of the Club World Cup.
Xabi Alonso's side had been held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal in their opening Group H game and were without Mbappe, who is recovering after being discharged from hospital following acute gastroenteritis.
Real Madrid saw defender Asencio sent off after just seven minutes for hauling down Salomon Rondon.
The LaLiga giants, though, held out against a spell of pressure from the Mexicans to break the deadlock through Jude Bellingham in the 35th minute before Arda Guler doubled the lead ahead of half-time.
Federico Valverde volleyed in a third with 20 minutes left, before the Mexicans grabbed a late consolation through Elias Montiel's deflected effort.
However, Alonso confirmed in his post-match press duties that Antonio Rudiger had been on the end of alleged racist abuse.
'That's what Rudiger said, and we believe him,' Alonso said. 'It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. FIFA now is investigating. That's all I can say.'
Marcus Rashford has revealed he would like to play alongside teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal at Barcelona.
Rashford signed a five-year contract with Manchester United in 2023, but spent the second half of the Premier League campaign on loan at Aston Villa.
The future of the 27-year-old under Ruben Amorim – who had left him out of several squads – remains uncertain, with Barcelona sporting director Deco last month saying the club 'like' Rashford.
England forward Rashford opened up about his ambitions in an interview with Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz, which was shared by BBC Sport.
Asked if he would like to be team-mates with Barca's 17-year-old scoring sensation Yamal, Rashford said: 'Yes, for sure. Everyone wants to play with the best. Hopefully… we'll see.'
'It's difficult to put into words what (Yamal) is doing because he's not supposed to be doing that at 16 or 17. I don't think we've seen that before.'
One last work session in California before heading to Seattle!#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/YcuM7zyqfz
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 22, 2025
After a shock defeat to Brazilian side Botafogo, European champions Paris St Germain will look to get their Club World Cup campaign back on track against Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field.
Copa Libertadores holders Botafogo head to the Pasadena Rose Bowl to take on Atletico Madrid in their final Group B match.

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