Manchester City ended their 2026 pre-season tour of Asia on a high after coming from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid 3-1 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday.
The victory gave new manager Enzo Maresca another encouraging result as City continued to develop their style ahead of the new campaign.
Atletico took the lead shortly before half-time through 16-year-old Jorge Dominguez, who reacted quickest after City failed to properly clear a corner. The teenager’s strike gave Diego Simeone’s side a 1-0 advantage at the break.
City, however, responded brilliantly after the interval.
The equaliser arrived in the 57th minute, with Omar Marmoush finishing from a move created by Antoine Semenyo. Just two minutes later, the Egyptian struck again to complete his brace and turn the game around. Semenyo was again instrumental, providing the assist as City’s wide attacking approach caused Atletico problems.
Marmoush’s two goals continued an impressive pre-season for the forward, while Semenyo ended the Asian tour with four assists in three matches, further strengthening his case to play an important role under Maresca.
City then put the result beyond doubt in the closing stages when Rayan Ait-Nouri added a third goal in the 90th minute.
The 3-1 victory completed City’s pre-season tour with a win after they drew with Inter Milan before losing on penalties and subsequently defeating a K-League XI.
For Maresca, the performance offered further evidence that his attacking ideas are beginning to take shape. City controlled large periods of possession and showed the ability to recover from conceding first, although the Italian acknowledged there is still room for improvement in front of goal.
Atletico, meanwhile, can take encouragement from the emergence of Dominguez, while Pablo Barrios’ return from injury and new signing Kang-in Lee’s debut provided further positives despite the defeat.
City will now return to England with their attention turning to the Community Shield against Arsenal on August 16, their final test before the new season gets underway.
