The friendly was to officially inaugurate the Garden City side’s new home and, although fans were there to watch the visiting English champions, most wore the white and purple of one of the UAE’s most decorated clubs.
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At the end of 90 minutes, both teams were handed honorary medals. Christopher Pike / The National -
Vincent Kompany, the City captain, raised the Premier League trophy as fireworks illuminated the sky to add to the night of celebrations. Christopher Pike / The National -
In keeping with the game’s ‘exhibition’ tag, a host of household UAE football names made appearances, with Al Wahda’s Ismail Matar coming on in the first group of replacements. Christopher Pike / The National -
Two spectators ran onto the pitch during the match. Christopher Pike / The National -
Continued close calls around Manchester City’s goal caused Al Ain fans to jump to their feet. Christopher Pike / The National -
A Mexican wave around the sold-out arena broke out midway through the first 45 minutes. Christopher Pike / The National -
The festive mood continued during half time with the home team taking a well deserved 0-0 tie into the break. Christopher Pike / The National -
Marcos Lopes of Manchester City celebrates with teammates after scoring the first goal. Francois Nel / Getty Images -
A young fans cheers his team on during the friendly. Warren Little / Getty Images -
The initial cheers were for a few Manchester City players warming up before the match, but a much louder roar echoed around the stadium when the home team ran out of the tunnel. AFP Photo / Karim Sahib
In pictures: Fans flock to Man City-Al Ain friendly
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