Bayern Munich recorded the biggest win in Club World Cup history as they thrashed Auckland City 10-0 at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
In a desperately one-sided contest, Jamal Musiala scored a hat-trick and Thomas Muller, Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman all scored two goals.
Sacha Boey scored the other with England captain Harry Kane unable to get in on the act before being subbed off on the hour mark.
It would have been even worse for Auckland City, who are part-time, had it not been for Conor Tracey, who made a number of saves to limit the damage.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich jump to the top of Club World Cup Group C while Auckland City, winners of the Oceania Champions League in each of the past four years, are bottom.
Portuguese club Benfica and Argentine giants Boca Juniors are the other two sides in that group looking to progress to the knockout stages.
Bayern’s victory is the biggest since the inaugural Club World Club back in 2000. The previous biggest win was Al Hilal’s 6-1 victory over Al Jazira in 2022.
The 21st edition of the Club World Cup is being held in the United States – one of the host teams Inter Miami drew 0-0 with Al Ahly in the tournament opener.
The huge mismatch in Cincinnati will only raise more questions about the decision to expand the Club World Cup from seven to 32 teams.
What do clubs think about the Club World Cup?
Players and many fans appear apathetic about the tournament but most clubs have embraced the opportunity that the revamped format has offered with both hands.
For smaller clubs, the exposure and opportunity to test their mettle against Europe’s best might be considered reward enough.
But for the tournament’s bigger sides, the financial upside is likely the most eye-catching element.
Club World Cup prize money per round
Group stage win: £1.4million
Group stage draw: £739,000
Round of 16: £5.5million
Quarter-final: £9.6million
Semi-final: £15.5million
Final: £22.1million
Winners: £29.5million
FIFA’s rankings will grant Europe’s top-ranked sides £29.6m just for participating, with a potential £97m on offer should they win all their group-stage games and then the entire tournament.
Perhaps then, it’s no surprise that Real were happy to spend £10m for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s early release from Liverpool in time for the tournament.
There are, of course, downsides. Playing a tournament during the transfer window will surely complicate summer recruitment, let alone pre-season.
England boss Thomas Tuchel has already suggested that Arsenal and Liverpool will have an advantage over Chelsea and Manchester City in the league next year due to the latter two’s participation in the Club World Cup.
But in an era of more stringent financial regulation and PSR rules, the opportunity to bank nearly £100m from just seven games’ work is far too alluring.
Additional words from Ben Fleming, Metro sports reporter
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