Manchester City overcame an early challenge to secure a 3-1 win against Atletico Madrid in their last preseason match in Asia. At Seoul World Cup Stadium, with an attendance of over 50,000, City erased a halftime deficit through three goals in the second period, including two rapid strikes from Omar Marmoush.
Atletico took the lead just before the interval, but City came out stronger after the restart. Marmoush netted twice in a three-minute span, and Rayan Ait-Nouri added a late third to wrap up the victory and finish the Asian tour on a high note.
Atletico Madrid strike first before the break
The visitors went ahead after City failed to clear a corner taken by Koke. The ball dropped to Morten Hjulmand, who set up 16-year-old Jorge Dominguez for the opening goal.
Dominguez finished calmly past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to give Atletico the lead just before halftime. It was a deserved advantage for Diego Simeone’s side after a solid opening 45 minutes.
City needed a response in the second half, and it came quickly after the restart.
Omar Marmoush sparks the turnaround
The equalizer arrived in the 57th minute thanks to good work from Antoine Semenyo on the left wing. He kept the ball in play, drove into the box, and delivered a low cross.
Marmoush was on hand to convert from close range and level the score. That goal shifted the momentum completely in City’s favor.
Just two minutes later, the same duo combined again. Semenyo once more advanced down the left and sent another low ball into the area, where Marmoush finished easily to complete his double.
Those quick goals changed the game and gave City control after trailing at the break.
Lee Kang-in gets huge ovation in Seoul
The crowd of more than 50,000 created a lively atmosphere all night, but the biggest cheer came when Atletico brought on South Korea star Lee Kang-in in the second half.
The midfielder had a clear chance to level the match when he found space near the penalty spot. Unmarked, he went for a first-time shot but sent it just wide of the post.
Despite the miss, Lee’s introduction was a major highlight, as local fans gave the home favorite a warm welcome.
Rayan Ait-Nouri seals the win for City
Atletico pushed for an equalizer in the final stages, but City’s defense stayed solid and protected the lead earned by Marmoush.
The game was put to bed in injury time when Divin Mubama slipped a pass through to Rayan Ait-Nouri. The defender raced onto it and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.
That made it 3-1 and capped off City’s preseason trip to Asia. Earlier in the tour, City lost on penalties to Inter Milan after a 1-1 draw in Hong Kong, then beat a K League All-Stars side 3-1 in Seoul.
Next up is the Community Shield, where City will take on Premier League champions Arsenal at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on 16 August.