Thrilling Showdown in Yokohama: Erling Haaland's Brilliant Brace Secures Victory for Man City against Japanese Champions
Erling Haaland shines with a brace as Manchester City, led by captain Kyle Walker, stage a thrilling comeback to triumph 5-3 against Yokohama F Marinos in their first friendly match of the Asia tour in Tokyo
Erling Haaland netted two goals as Manchester City, captained by Bayern Munich transfer target Kyle Walker, staged a remarkable 5-3 comeback victory over Yokohama F. Marinos in their first friendly match of the Asia tour in Tokyo. The J1 League champions, led by Anderson Lopes and Ken Matsubara, initially took a 2-0 lead. F. Marinos presently hold the second spot in their league table, having passed the midpoint of their season.
John Stones successfully converted from inside the penalty area after Julian Alvarez passed on a backwards pass from captain Kyle Walker. Alvarez swiftly followed up with a second goal, taking advantage of a mistake from F. Marinos in their passing.
During half-time, Pep Guardiola made changes to all 10 players on the field, and the visiting team gained dominance when play resumed. Within seven minutes of the second half, Haaland scored by shooting while turning, narrowing the score to 3-2. Shortly after, Rodri, who had secured victory in the Champions League final, elegantly curled in a fourth goal.
Kenta Inoue managed to score a goal for F. Marinos towards the end, but there was still enough time for Haaland to quickly score another goal from Joao Cancelo's pass, ensuring that City maintained their two-goal lead.
Mateo Kovacic made his debut for City, playing in the midfield alongside James McAtee and Kalvin Phillips. However, Walker's presence in the lineup is worth noting, as he has been linked with a potential transfer to Bayern Munich during the upcoming summer.
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Kyle Walker and Manchester City commemorates their triumph in a friendly match held in Tokyo. Subsequently, the two clubs are set to engage in direct negotiations in Japan within the coming days. Should a deal materialize between Bayern, the German powerhouse, and City, Walker is projected to be valued at £13m. Walker has expressed his enthusiasm for a potential transfer to the Bundesliga, where he would be presented with a two-year contract, alongside the possibility of an additional year.
City play again in the Japan National Stadium on Wednesday when they face Bayern in an 11.30am kick-off UK time. They then go on to Seoul in South Korea to face Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
