Team K League might be six months through their season – and presumably familiar with the outrageously hot and humid conditions in Sangam – but they were completely outplayed and overrun in the opening period of this match.

Rayan Aït-Nouri put Manchester City ahead after just eight minutes. Kim Dae-won’s response briefly brought K League level, much to the delight of most inside Seoul, but Manchester City immediately regained the initiative.

Tijjani Reijnders and Divin Mubama added two more for Manchester City before the hydration break. To K League’s credit, they kept City out for the remainder of the half, and came close to adding a second through Yago’s header.

The second half was almost completely forgettable. Gu Sung-yoon made five good saves, and Kim Ju-chan provided some spark on the wing. But this was nothing like the chaos and hysteria which greeted K League’s 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid three seasons ago.

That match was close to a sell-out. Today, a crowd of under 30,000 was present. Did fans stay away because of the heat? Or is interest waning in this exhibiton matches?

The following players stood out for Team K League.

Kim Dae-won (Gangwon FC)

With seven goals and five assists so far this year, Gangwon’s Kim was a certainty to play – and start – in this match. His first big moment came inside the opening quarter hour, and he took it.

Collecting a pass at the edge of the box, he turned onto his left foot and fired past Gianluigi Donnarumma at his near post. The Italian keeper was possibly blindsided, as the ball went through a teammate’s legs. Nonetheless, it was a excellent finish.

Gu Sung-yoon (FC Seoul)

Seoul’s goalkeeper would have seen his (today) teammate Song Beum-keun struggle in the first half. City’s third goal, especially, was largely preventable, as Song parried straight to Mubama for a simple finish.

Gu made a smart double save early in the second half, and then launched a counterattack which saw Kim Ju-chan hit the wood work. His name was sung around the stadium. A nice moment on his home turf.

Man of the match for K League.

Kim Ju-chan (Gimcheon Sangmu)

Suwon starlet Kim Ju-chan will return to Big Bird later this season to help the team’s promotion push. His adoring Bluewing fans will have been encouraged by his second half showing.

Operating off the left wing, Kim tore into City immediately. He ran at defenders, bringing some much-needed urgency and fight into the game. The end product isn’t always there, but he brings a definite spark.