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

Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring for Manchester City with a goal that combined skill and luck during their 6-0 victory over Al Ain in the FIFA Club World Cup. The 34-year-old midfielder found the net early in the match, just eight minutes in, lobbing the goalkeeper with his weaker left foot after a deflected corner.

The shot appeared to be an attempted cross aimed at Erling Haaland at the far post but unexpectedly looped into the net, leading many fans to praise the goal’s beauty and speculate about its intention. One social media comment remarked, “If this was on purpose, it’s Puskas.” Another added, “Gundogan’s guilty goal was really beautiful.”

Spectators noted that the goal seemed fortunate, with some critics, including former City goalkeeper Shay Given, suggesting Gundogan benefited from poor goalkeeping. Given also mentioned during analysis that Al Ain’s Khalid Eisa appeared helpless, failing to react adequately to the shot. Eisa was later beaten again by Claudio Echeverri’s first goal for City, a sublime free-kick. Erling Haaland added a penalty before Gundogan scored his second of the evening, with goals from Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki sealing the comprehensive win.

The match showcased City’s attacking prowess, but the initial goal’s fortunate nature sparked mixed reactions, with some appreciating the aesthetic quality while others viewed it as a fluke. Regardless, Gundogan’s contribution helped cement an impressive group stage performance for the team.