Reigning J. League champion Yokohama F. Marinos and English treble winner Manchester City combined for a thrilling exhibition Wednesday, trading blows in a four-goal first half before City star Erling Haaland took control to guide his team to a 5-3 win at Tokyo’s National Stadium.
Four days after besting Scottish champion Celtic 6-4 in a rowdy night at Nissan Stadium, Kevin Muscat praised his players for playing bravely against a team that just weeks ago lifted the Champions League trophy.
"Sometimes in life you have to make decisions, and you make decisions to protect who you are, to protect your identity, or you do something different because it’s easier," Muscat said. "And tonight, the guys protected the Marinos identity with a great deal of honor, a great deal of courage.