Manchester City achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever Champions League title after beating Inter Milan 1-0 at Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
This remarkable feat which was achieved on Saturday night, June 10, 2023, also marked the second time an English team has accomplished the treble.
In the 68th minute of the match, Spaniard Rodri seized the moment, delivering a decisive strike that sealed the treble for the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners this season.
Although this was Manchester City’s inaugural European triumph, it marked the third occasion that coach Pep Guardiola lifted the prestigious trophy.
Despite the setback of losing their influential midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne to an injury in the first half, City showcased their resilience and determination.
While prolific goal scorer Erling Haaland failed to find the net for the fifth consecutive match, Manchester City displayed their superiority over opponents who were not initially expected to advance this far.
This victory fulfilled Manchester City’s long-standing aspiration to reach the pinnacle of European football, a goal they had pursued since Abu Dhabi’s ruling family transformed the club into one of the wealthiest teams in the world fifteen years ago.
The club owner, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed this crowning moment firsthand, making only his second appearance at a City match in the last fifteen years.
The winning goal materialized when Rodri expertly received a pass from Bernardo Silva and unleashed a shot through a crowded penalty box. The eruption of joy was palpable as he sprinted toward City’s ecstatic fans and slid on his knees in jubilation.
In the closing stages, Inter’s Romelu Lukaku had an opportunity to equalize but directed his header straight into the waiting hands of City’s goalkeeper, Ederson, from a mere four meters out.
Inter came agonizingly close to leveling the score shortly after when Federico Dimarco struck the crossbar from close range. Dimarco’s subsequent attempt to convert the rebound was foiled by his own teammate, Lukaku.
By accomplishing the treble, Manchester City joins an elite group, becoming only the second English club to achieve this feat since Manchester United’s triumph in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in 1999.
Watch the highlights below:
KanyiDaily recalls that Nigerian superstar, Burna Boy was booked to perform in the final of the 2023 UEFA Champions League in Istanbul, Turkey.