Manchester City won its first Uefa Champions League trophy under the starry lights of Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium by beating 3-time winners Inter Milan. The blue side of Manchester climaxed a historic season by becoming maiden winners of the coveted trophy in European football.
The Citizens scored the only goal of the game in the second half through Rodri’s side-footed finish in the 68th minute. Although City were not at their usual best, they were able to hold on to the lead, partly due to Ederson’s heroic saves to keep Lukaku and Dimarco from scoring.
Pep Guardiola’s side had already been crowned Premier League champions of the 22/23 season and had beaten Manchester United a week before to win the Fa Cup. The Champions League was the final Jewel in their treble crown, as they achieved a feat that was last accomplished 24 years ago by their city rivals Manchester United.
Game to remember
Erling Haaland broke clear in the 26th minute but his shot was saved. It was City’s best chance after De Bryune unlocked the defence with a leading pass in the opening 45 minutes against an organised Inter.
City are the 23rd different team – and the sixth from England – to win the European Cup. They did this without their masterful midfielder Kevin De Bruyne for the most part of the game after he suffered a hamstring injury in the 36th minute. This paved the way for Phil Foden to be introduced to the game.
Although Rodrygo was struggling a bit, misplacing passes, he was well positioned to put City ahead with a cool finish in the 68th minute from a Berna Silva cutback into the box.
In the 71st minute, Dimarco’s looping header hits the crossbar, with a follow-up that unfortunately finds the misplaced stands of Lukaku in the box. Ederson came up clutch in the 89th minute, somehow saving a point-blank Lukaku header.
The Italians pushed for a goal toward the end but City held on to be crowned champions of Europe for the first time in their history. This was Manchester City’s second UCL final in three seasons under Pep Guardiola.
