‘If this was on purpose, it’s Puskas’: Ilkay Gundogan scores a stunning fluke for Manchester City at the Club World Cup

Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring for Manchester City in their 6-0 victory over Al Ain at the FIFA Club World Cup, delivering a goal that many described as both beautiful and fortunate. The 34-year-old’s strike came after just eight minutes, when he lobbed the goalkeeper using his weaker left foot following a deflected corner that found him approximately 15 yards from goal.

The ball appeared to be a cross aimed at Erling Haaland at the far post but ended up looping directly into the net, seemingly beating the keeper unintentionally. Fans on social media praised the goal, with one commenting, “If this was on purpose, it’s Puskas for Gundogan omg,” and another calling it “really beautiful.”

Ilkay Gundogan (center) celebrating with Manchester City teammates after his goal against Al Ain

However, not all reactions were positive. Critics pointed out that the goal may have been more luck than skill, with comments highlighting the missed cross and the accidental nature of the finish. Former City goalkeeper Shay Given also suggested during a halftime analysis that Gundogan’s goal was aided by poor goalkeeping from Al Ain’s Khalid Eisa, who was beaten again later by Claudio Echeverri’s first City goal from a free-kick. Erling Haaland then scored a penalty just before halftime, sealing a dominant victory.

Gundogan added to his tally in the second half, helped by goals from Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki, rounding out a convincing win for Manchester City.