Rodri’s decisive second goal in 48 Champions League matches brings glory to City
Manchester City’s enduring pursuit of the Champions League concluded in a stunning victory over Inter Milan in Istanbul, as Pep Guardiola’s squad completed the prestigious Treble.
Having secured the Premier League and FA Cup, City mirrored Manchester United’s 1999 triple trophy triumph, becoming the second English club to claim this honor. Rodri’s decisive 68th-minute goal concluded a tightly contested final.
Despite not delivering their usual performance against a resiliently organized Inter, and dealing with the early loss of Kevin de Bruyne due to injury, City triumphed. City supporters present at the Ataturk Stadium were ecstatic, celebrating the most memorable night – and season – in the club’s history.
The victory affirms Guardiola’s position among the elite football managers, adding a third Champions League to his collection, with the last one earned at Barcelona in 2011.
The game wasn’t an easy victory as many predicted. City had close calls, with Federico Dimarco’s header hitting the bar and Ederson making a remarkable late save to deny Romelu Lukaku. But in the end, the victory is what mattered.
This win allows Guardiola and his squad to engrave their names in the annals of football history.
The Champions League has been a source of heartache for City and Guardiola in the past, notably with their loss to domestic rivals Chelsea in the 2021 final. Yet all that disappointment dissipated on this hot night in Istanbul when City overcame late tension, especially a near-goal from Inter’s Lukaku, and ultimately claimed the illustrious trophy that has eluded them for years.
Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City was often seen to hinge on his ability to secure a Champions League title. Now, that criterion has been fulfilled. Guardiola, a two-time Champions League winner with Barcelona, is now revered at both Barcelona and City.
Despite lingering controversy over financial breach charges brought against the Abu Dhabi-owned club by the Premier League, City’s triumph will be remembered. For Sheikh Mansour, who was attending only his second match since taking ownership in 2008, this victory represented the achievement of a long-awaited dream.
While the victory was hard-fought and did not showcase City’s usual fluid style, the result was what mattered. Rodri’s winning goal, following a build-up from Manuel Akanji and Bernardo Silva, will be etched in the memory of City’s fans forever. The subsequent jubilant Champions League trophy lift added to the spectacle.
John Stones and keeper Ederson played exceptional roles for City. The post-match celebrations marked a remarkable season as City finally claimed the Champions League trophy, set to be paraded through the streets of Manchester alongside the Premier League and FA Cup trophies.
Player of the Match: John Stones (Manchester City) with an average rating of 6.83. Other notable performers included Ederson and Rodri.
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5 comments
So thrilled for Man city. thhey’ve been chasing this for so long!! Pep’s the man!
Not a city fan but they deserve it this season, played incredible football!! Deffo a year to remember.
thought inter wud give them more of a game to be honest. still, hats off to City, thay did well.
Rodri’s goal, man, outta nowhere. I can’t believe they finally did it. Hope KDB gets better soon!
As a united fan, I hate to say it… but congrats City. You’re the kings this year.