Man City duo delights Maresca in preseason win over Atletico Madrid
Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush (C) scores his first goal past Atletico Madrid’s keeper Jan Oblak (L) during their preseason friendly in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 9, 2026. (AFP Photo)


Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca praised his wingers after Antoine Semenyo set up Omar Marmoush twice in a 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid to close out their Asia preseason tour.

Marmoush ⁠scored twice in the space of three minutes early in the second half before substitute Rayan Ait-Nouri ​added a third in stoppage time, ​helping City ⁠overturn a halftime deficit in front of more than 50,000 fans at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

"Overall, it was a very good test against one of the best teams in Europe," Maresca said. "Credit to the players for the effort they have done. From tomorrow, preseason is finished and the real business starts."

City dominated possession and created the better chances but fell behind against the run of play when Jorge ⁠Dominguez ⁠scored from close range shortly before halftime.

The Premier League side finally made their pressure count in the 57th minute as Semenyo raced down the left and crossed for Marmoush to slide home the equalizer. Two minutes later, the pair combined again, with Semenyo delivering another low cross that Marmoush converted.

Semenyo finished the Asia tour with four assists ⁠in three matches, while Savinho also impressed on the opposite flank. Ait-Nouri completed the scoring late on, but Maresca said City still needed greater ​efficiency in front of goal.

"We need to be clinical. It's ​something we need to improve," he said. "Slowly we are getting there and with Erling (Haaland) we can be even ⁠more ‌dangerous. Today, Omar scored twice. This is a boost."

Maresca ⁠also said he was encouraged by ‌the progress made during his first three matches in charge after succeeding ​Pep Guardiola, with City ⁠ending their Asia tour with a draw ⁠against Inter Milan, before a penalty-shootout defeat, and victories over ⁠a K League ​All-Stars side and Atletico.

They face Premier League champions Arsenal in the Community Shield on Aug. 16.