Video: Haaland scores twice as Man City hit five in Tokyo friendly

In their first match since securing a historic treble with a Champions League victory last month, Pep Guardiola’s side saw John Stones, Julian Alvarez, and Rodri all finding the target.

In Tokyo, City started with only four players who were part of the starting lineup in the previous game. After 27 minutes, they faced a setback as they conceded a goal. Anderson Lopes capitalized on a rebound from Stefan Ortega’s initial save and crisply converted it into the bottom corner.

Just ten minutes later, right-back Ken Matsubara made it 2-0, displaying great skill as he guided the ball home with his first touch, courtesy of a precise cross from fellow full-back Katsuya Nagato from the left wing.

Stones managed to pull one back for City in the 40th minute, displaying composure as he slotted the ball home from inside the area after receiving a lay-off from Alvarez.

Two minutes after Stones’ goal, City equalized when Marinos’ goalkeeper Jun Ichimori made a costly error under pressure from Kalvin Phillips, allowing Alvarez to calmly finish the chance.

At halftime, Guardiola made ten outfield changes, and it didn’t take long for Haaland to make an impact. The Norwegian, who impressively scored 52 goals in his debut season at City, netted from an acute angle after being set up by fellow substitute Phil Foden in the 52nd minute, giving City the lead.

Rodri, the scorer of the decisive goal in the Champions League final, added a fourth for City 20 minutes later.

Kenta Inoue scored a late consolation for Marinos with only four minutes left on the clock, but Haaland sealed the victory for City with his second goal in stoppage time.

City’s next match will be against Bayern Munich in Tokyo on Wednesday, followed by a trip to Seoul to take on Atletico Madrid.