Manchester City produced an impressive second-half turnaround to defeat Atletico Madrid 3-1 in a 2026 summer friendly in South Korea. Enzo Maresca’s side fell behind shortly before half-time despite controlling much of the opening period. However, a clinical response after the break, led by Omar Marmoush, secured another encouraging pre-season victory for the Premier League club. The result followed City’s recent 3-1 win over the K League All-Stars.
Maresca made four changes to the team that started the previous friendly, bringing Matheus Nunes, Vitor Reis, Savinho and Marmoush into the starting XI. Rico Lewis, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Divin Mubama were named among the substitutes, while Abdukodir Khusanov missed the match for personal reasons. Atletico, meanwhile, fielded a strong side featuring goalkeeper Jan Oblak, captain Koke and forward Ademola Lookman. The fixture gave both clubs another important opportunity to build fitness and sharpen their tactical rhythm ahead of the new campaign.
City dominate but Atletico strike first
City began the contest at a high tempo and made life difficult for Atletico throughout the first half. Maresca’s players pressed aggressively, retained possession well and repeatedly tested the Spanish side’s defensive organisation. Despite creating several promising openings, City were unable to find the finishing touch needed to take the lead. Atletico punished that wastefulness in the 43rd minute when Dominguez produced a composed finish to put the La Liga representatives 1-0 ahead.
The goal gave Atletico a valuable advantage heading into the interval, even though City had largely dictated the flow of the match. Maresca’s men were forced to remain patient, knowing their attacking play had created enough opportunities to change the scoreline. Their second-half performance showed greater precision in the final third. Once the equaliser arrived, the momentum shifted decisively in City’s favour.
Marmoush double seals the turnaround
City drew level in the 57th minute through Marmoush, who arrived at the right moment to convert a low cross from Semenyo. The Egyptian forward then struck again only two minutes later, completing his brace and turning the match around in rapid fashion. His two goals highlighted City’s ruthless attacking quality when spaces began to appear in Atletico’s defence. Atletico attempted to respond and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but City remained composed.
The win was confirmed in the 90th minute when substitute Ait-Nouri found the net to make it 3-1. City’s late goal underlined their control of the closing stages and ensured there would be no route back for Atletico. Maresca will be pleased not only with the scoreline, but also with his team’s reaction after conceding against the run of play. Two consecutive 3-1 victories provide positive momentum as Manchester City continue their pre-season preparations.