Enzo Maresca Earns First Manchester City Victory as Reijnders and Ait-Nouri Shine in South Korea

Enzo Maresca recorded his first victory as Manchester City head coach after overseeing a confident 3-1 pre-season win against a K-League XI in Seoul on Wednesday.

Following a penalty shootout defeat to Inter Milan in Hong Kong at the weekend, City responded with a far more polished display despite challenging heat and humidity at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Goals from Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Divin Mubama ensured the Premier League champions continued their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign with an encouraging performance that showcased several new faces and rising academy talents.

Reijnders Continues Bright Start Under Maresca

Among City's standout performers was Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, whose energy and attacking movement dominated the midfield throughout the first half.

Operating with freedom to push forward, Reijnders played a crucial role in City's opening goal before doubling the visitors' advantage with a composed finish after an excellent assist from Antoine Semenyo.

His intelligent movement between the lines and willingness to arrive late in the penalty area offered an early glimpse of how Maresca intends to reshape City's midfield.

Ait-Nouri Impresses in Advanced Role

Summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri also caught the eye after being deployed further forward than his usual left-back position.

The Algerian international rewarded his manager's tactical experiment by opening the scoring with a composed first-time finish and regularly combined well with City's attacking players.

His versatility could provide Maresca with another valuable tactical option heading into the new season.

Mubama Continues to Make His Case

Academy striker Divin Mubama maintained his impressive pre-season form by scoring for the second consecutive match.

The young forward reacted quickest after the goalkeeper spilled the ball, showing the instincts of a natural striker to convert from close range.

Although he later missed an excellent opportunity to add another, his movement and finishing continue to strengthen his case for increased first-team opportunities this season.

Semenyo Provides Creativity

Playing from the right wing, Antoine Semenyo produced another lively performance after also impressing against Inter Milan.

The Ghana international constantly stretched the K-League defence and produced one of the game's standout moments with a clever flick that created Reijnders' goal.

His direct running and creativity were among City's biggest attacking threats throughout the opening 45 minutes.

Defensive Unit Rarely Tested

City controlled possession for long periods, meaning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had little work to do despite conceding once.

Captain Ruben Dias marshalled the defence confidently, while Josko Gvardiol looked comfortable operating from left-back.

Midfielder Mateo Kovacic, returning to full fitness after injury setbacks last season, dictated play from deep and could play an important role while Rodri continues his recovery.

Maresca Hands Opportunities to Youngsters

The second half saw Maresca rotate heavily, giving valuable minutes to several academy graduates and returning internationals.

Teenage winger Jeremy Monga made his first appearance since arriving from Leicester City and nearly marked his debut with a goal before his effort was ruled out.

Meanwhile, Omar Marmoush, Claudio Echeverri, Matheus Nunes, Savinho, and Nico Gonzalez all featured as City continued building match fitness ahead of the new campaign.

Positive Signs Ahead of Competitive Fixtures

While the result carries no competitive significance, Maresca will be encouraged by the team's growing tactical understanding after only two pre-season matches.

City showed greater control in possession, more fluid attacking movement and improved pressing compared to their opening outing against Inter Milan.

With further friendlies still to come before the Community Shield and Premier League opener, the Italian coach appears to be steadily implementing his philosophy as Manchester City begin a new era.

Player of the Match

Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)

The Ghanaian winger was City's most dangerous attacking player, consistently troubling defenders with his pace, movement and creativity. His superb flicked assist for Reijnders' goal highlighted another impressive display.

Key Takeaways

• Enzo Maresca earns his first victory as Manchester City manager.
• Tijjani Reijnders delivers another outstanding midfield performance.
• Rayan Ait-Nouri scores in an advanced tactical role.
• Divin Mubama nets in consecutive pre-season matches.
• Jeremy Monga makes his unofficial Manchester City debut.

SportsLigue