Erling Haaland was furious at the final whistle as Manchester City hit Al Ain for six but still rued missed chances. Pep Guardiola’s men are second in their Group and must now beat Juventus on Thursday to avoid a potential last 16 showdown with Real Madrid in Miami on Tuesday, July 1.

They could be left to regret a string of missed chances because they have the same goal difference as Juventus but have scored one goal less. That was why Haaland was angry at the end of the game in the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta and the City striker could easily have had a hat trick himself.

Ilkay Gundogan scored twice, Claudio Echeverri hit a terrific free kick, Haaland scored a penalty while Rayan Cherki and Oscar Bobb were also on target in a very one-sided game in front of 40,392 fans.

But even keeper Stefan Ortega admitted the players knew they needed one more goal which would have meant they just needed a draw against Juve on Thursday to top the Group.

Ortega said: “Of course we were aware we needed the extra goal. Everyone was aware because we are watching the games as well. We are smart guys as well.

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“It’s not always about the easy part because all the teams are really good but it’s more about finishing the Group first.”

City boss Pep Guardiola added: “With one more goal, we would have two options but we only have one now. It would be better but important is we are in the next phase. If you want to go through you have to face top, top teams so it does not matter.”

City’s new left back Rayan Aït-Nouri shone on his first start in the Club World Cup - Guardiola changed the whole team from their first game with Wydad - and he really was eye-catching along with man of the match Ilkay Gundogan.

Guardiola said on Aït-Nouri: “Wow. He had to defend a back four, then make a back five. He played really, really good. Not for the first time.

“It was his first game but he has played in the Premier League for many years, he can help us play in that role outside but then had to play as a holding midfielder and go into the pockets. He moves really well into the spaces.

“He is intelligent and clear to defend and take the ball. He is so clever in the final third, taking the right decisions to create more spaces. Really pleased for the game he played.”

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