Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in a pre-season friendly held in Seoul, South Korea. The match saw Enzo Maresca’s side come from behind, with Omar Marmoush scoring a brace and Rayan Ait-Nouri adding a late third goal. The win concludes City’s pre-season tour of Asia.
The game on Sunday, August 9, 2026, saw Atletico Madrid take an unexpected lead through Jorge Dominguez, who was 16 years old, just before half-time. Dominguez poked in an opener after a half-cleared corner was kept alive by Morten Hjulmand. This goal came against the run of play, as City had created several chances in the opening period.
City’s tactical approach, focusing on getting the ball to wingers Savinho and Antoine Semenyo, was evident throughout the match. Both players frequently took on defenders and drove towards the Atletico box. Semenyo, in particular, was instrumental in the second half, providing two assists for Marmoush.
Second-half turnaround for City
The equalizer arrived in the 57th minute when Semenyo skillfully beat his marker and delivered a cross for Marmoush to convert from close range. Just two minutes later, in the 59th minute, the pair combined again. Semenyo, after receiving a pass from Josko Gvardiol, found Marmoush in the six-yard box for another simple finish, giving City the lead.
Despite Atletico Madrid making nine changes midway through the second half, including the introduction of Kang-In Lee, City maintained control. Tijjani Reijnders and Mateo Kovacic were noted for their performances in midfield, with Reijnders having an early chance saved by Jan Oblak.
City sealed their victory in added time when substitute Rayan Ait-Nouri scored the third goal. Ait-Nouri, who had missed a one-on-one opportunity moments earlier, found the bottom corner from a pass by Divin Mubama. This goal secured a deserved win for Maresca’s team.
Maresca’s tactical imprint and player performances
Enzo Maresca praised his players for their open-mindedness in adopting his new tactical ideas, which differ from those of his predecessor, Pep Guardiola. Maresca emphasized the importance of wing play, noting that Semenyo and Savinho recorded 10 take-ons between them during the match.
Semenyo’s performance was particularly highlighted, with Maresca expressing his satisfaction with the player’s effort. Marmoush also acknowledged Semenyo’s crucial role in his goals, stating that the goals would not have been possible without his assists. Marmoush added that his focus in the second half was to make the runs and be in position for the wingers’ deliveries.
This match marked the end of City’s Asia tour, which also included a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan in Hong Kong and a 3-1 win against a K-League All Stars side in Seoul. The team will now return to the UK to prepare for the Community Shield against Arsenal, scheduled for next weekend in Cardiff at 15:00 (UK).
The focus for City now shifts to the upcoming season, with the Community Shield serving as the curtain-raiser before the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season the following weekend. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, will begin their La Liga campaign at home against Malaga on August 19.
Source: skysports.com
