Man City Rotate Squad, Beat Wydad 2–0 in Group Opener
Pep Guardiola rested key starters, giving minutes to newcomers like French midfielder Rayan Cherki. The rotation paid immediate dividends: Phil Foden struck early, scoring in just the second minute, and Jeremy Doku—set up by Foden’s corner—doubled the lead before halftime.
After a subdued season, Phil Foden was electric: a goal and an assist in a frontline role. Positioned centrally alongside Cherki, he showcased renewed hunger—goal at 1:51 and a pinpoint corner for the second goal.
Rayan Cherki, the €40 million acquisition from Lyon, impressed during his debut, bringing creativity and energy to the midfield . Tijjani Reijnders also stood out, controlling the center of the park and making his case for more minutes.
City retained control until late in the match when defender Rico Lewis was controversially sent off for a high follow-through. Guardiola and his players argued it was accidental, but VAR upheld the red, ensuring Lewis will miss the next game.
Passionate Wydad Casablanca fans kept the atmosphere alive—lighting flares mid-match and briefly pausing play. Despite trailing 2–0, their energy was a standout moment in a largely controlled City performance.
