With a show by Yildiz, ‘Vecchia Signora’ beats Wydad Casablanca 4-1 and maintains its 100% record in the Club World Cup. But defensive weakness raises alarm bells for decisive duels.
Juventus confirmed its favoritism and won its second victory in Group G of the 2025 Club World Cup this Sunday (22), beating Wydad Casablanca 4-1 in Philadelphia (USA). The absolute highlight was Kenan Yildiz, who scored three goals and is a key player in coach Igor Tudor’s offensive gear.
Despite the convincing victory on the scoreboard, the match once again revealed worrying defensive problems for the Italian team, which is now preparing for a likely direct dispute for the group’s leadership with Manchester City.
⚽ Offensive dominance and gaps at the back
Juventus once again demonstrated their strength in attack, with engaging moves, especially on the left side, where Kelly, Cambiaso and Thuram created constant numerical superiority. The team opened the scoring in the first half with two goals from Yildiz, both built by engaging triangulations in the offensive sector.
Cambiaso, who had participated in the plays that led to the first goals, also scored his own. Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceição played an active role, although they did not score.
The problem is that, once again, the opponent had more shots: 14 shots compared to just 8 for Juve. Just like in the debut against Al Ain, the Italian defense showed slowness in regrouping and weakness when facing fast attacks — which allowed Wydad to threaten frequently.
🔁 How the game went
The Moroccan team, coached by Mohamed Benhachem, relied on man-to-man marking, but failed to contain Juve's quick switches and movement between the lines. Striker Obeng — a new addition to the lineup — did not follow Kelly's projection, and this caused a mismatch that resulted in the first two goals.
Wydad, despite having difficulties in marking, was courageous and aggressive with the ball at their feet. After wasting a clear chance with Lorch, the same player took advantage of a defensive mistake and reduced the score to 2-1 in the first half.
In the second half, Tudor made some specific changes, including bringing on Koopmeiners in place of McKennie. The game became more open, with Wydad launching themselves into the attack and Juventus taking advantage of the spaces left in the Moroccan defense.
On a counterattack, Kolo Muani set up Yildiz, who coolly completed his hat-trick and put the final numbers on the match. In injury time, Vlahovic was brought down in the box and converted the penalty, closing the rout at 4-1.
🧠 Tactical analysis: sharp attack, exposed defense
Juventus has shown itself to be one of the most offensive forces in the competition, with full-backs and wingers who practically act as midfielders. However, this requires an efficient defensive transition, which is not happening yet. The team struggles when losing the ball in attack and leaves “windows” open for passing, something that opponents like Manchester City can exploit masterfully.
The pressure from the Wydad fans boosted the African team, which shot more often and forced goalkeeper Di Gregório to make at least two important saves. If they do not correct the positioning of their defenders and midfielders in transitions, Juventus could suffer against more complete teams.
🌍 Situation in Group G
With this result, Juventus now has 6 points and is practically guaranteed a place in the round of 16. Wydad, with two defeats, no longer has a chance of qualifying. The decisive duel for the lead will be against Manchester City, who also won both of their games.
📌 Technical details
🏆 Club World Cup – 2nd Round – Group G
📍 Location: Philadelphia, USA
📅 Date: June 22, 2025
⏱ Final score: Juventus 4 x 1 Wydad Casablanca
⚫ Juventus: Di Gregório; Kalulu, Bremer, Gatti (Kelly); Cambiaso, McKennie (Koopmeiners), Locatelli (Nico González), Kelly; Francisco Conceição (Vlahovic), Kolo Muani, Yildiz. Coach: Igor Tudor
🔴 Wydad Casablanca: Benhachem; Moufid, Bart Meijers (Mwalimu), Moussaoui; Fahd Moufi, Amrabat, Lorch, Moubarik, Alsomah; Obeng (Kalou), Guilherme Ferreira.
Coach: Mohamed Benhachem
⚽ Goals:
Yildiz (JUV) – 2x in the 1st half, 1x in the 2nd half
Cambiaso (JUV)
Lorch (WYD)
Vlahovic (JUV, penalty)
👀 Upcoming games
Juventus now prepare to face Manchester City, in a direct clash for the leadership of Group G, scheduled for next week. A draw would be enough for the Italians to secure the top spot in the group.
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