Rico Lewis sees red as Manchester City triumph over Wydad AC

In the United States, Manchester City commenced their Club World Cup campaign on June 18, 2025, with a commanding victory over Moroccan team Wydad AC, winning 2-0. Phil Foden opened the scoring within the first two minutes, making history by netting the earliest goal in the Club World Cup. Jeremy Doku added the second goal just before the half-time break. Despite Manchester City's predominantly controlled performance, highlighted by strong contributions from new midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, the match ended on a sour note with the late red card shown to defender Rico Lewis for a challenge on Samuel Obeng. This incident may impact City's upcoming matches, as Lewis will now serve a suspension. The match drew a crowd of 37,446 spectators at the Lincoln Financial Field, where City’s tactical control and possession kept Wydad AC at bay, even though the Premier League side eased off their intensity in the second half. Phil Foden, who played in a deeper midfielder role than usual, expressed that his performance stemmed from a well-deserved rest he took prior to the tournament. He noted that he aimed to prove doubters wrong, emphasizing his desire to create chances and score goals again. Guardiola's squad, which did not feature key players such as Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Ruben Dias, was able to maintain their composure despite the challenging weather conditions of Philadelphia. The sending-off of Rico Lewis, however, became the focal point of discussion post-match, echoing John Obi Mikel’s view of it being a 'definite red card.' Following this match, Manchester City anticipates facing Al Ain of the UAE at 2 am BST and Juventus shortly thereafter, but the absence of Lewis will test their defense. The reported attendance demonstrated strong interest in the event, as the game unfolded in humid conditions that affected the players' performances. City, now positioned at the top of Group G, reflected on the match as a stepping stone for their Club World Cup ambitions. Pep Guardiola's side is aware that deployment tactics need to adapt following the loss of Lewis in defensive positions. As Foden noted, the aim is to continue building momentum, particularly with influences from new signings. The victory not only provided City three points but also laid the groundwork for Foden’s personal redemption arc and the team's future games whilst navigating the ramifications of the red card. Looking ahead, fans and observers alike will be keen to see how the team manages this predicament without Lewis in the upcoming matches.