A Manchester City team in the midst of a renovation process has a lackluster victory over Moroccan Wihad.

There will be more revealing matches to evaluate Manchester City than Tuesday's clash with Wyhad Casablanca. Immersed in a difficult transition, with many players practically newly signed in this second transfer cycle, the British team defeated their first opponent in this Club World Cup 2-0, with a goal from Foden right at kickoff and another from Doku off a corner as the first half drew to a close. In both instances, the defensive prowess of Africa's most successful team was evident, highlighted by the weakness of their goalkeeper and then by the complacency of their defenders.

After a very disappointing season, with the team showing signs of twilight, Pep Guardiola 's side faces the competition with the aim of redeeming themselves and laying the foundations for a reliable project that will restore the competitiveness they have displayed over the last decade. This first edition of the Club World Cup is a good opportunity for the British, Real Madrid, and even Atlético Madrid, who are practically coming off the back of major tournaments.

There were plenty of new additions for City, with Reis , O'Reilly , Reijnders , and Cherki in the starting lineup, alongside more recognizable players like Ederson , Foden, and Ake among what we might call the old guard. After a very weak season, the international striker showed improved performances, which will surely help him regain some of his diminished self-esteem.

Poor fluency

As expected, City respects their manager's approach, which featured a markedly attack-oriented formation. It's a different matter that they still need to fine-tune their automatisms and achieve greater fluidity in midfield, as well as more coordination at the back, where the Brazilian Reis looked vulnerable, especially in a move that first Lorch and then Mailula failed to capitalize on, which would have resulted in a 1-1 draw.

Rodri had half an hour to spare at the uninhabited Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Spanish midfielder, still short on pace and accuracy after being injured for virtually the entire season, is the cornerstone of City's return to the top flight. Nothing much happened in the second half, apart from a clear chance for Doku after a shameful defensive blunder that goalkeeper Benabid found a solution for this time. Haaland and Gündogan also appeared in the second half, survivors in a team that no longer has heavyweights like De Bruyne and is looking for new destinations for Walker and Grealish .

Lewis's sending off for a foul on Obeng in the 89th minute will rule him out of the next match, against Al Ain. The final Group G match will be against Juventus, a test of some prominence for a team forced to reinvent itself.