By Anadolu Agency
June 11, 2023 7:51 amISTANBUL
Manchester City defeated Internazionale 1-0 to win the 2023 UEFA Champions League title Saturday.
In the 27th minute, Erling Haaland’s left-footed shot from close range was saved by Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana in the bottom left corner at Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne was forced off the pitch due to an injury. Phil Foden replaced the Belgian in the 36th minute.
City dominated the first half of the final but neither side was able to break the deadlock despite both teams having chances.
Lautaro Martinez attempted to score inside the box but goalie Ederson rescued Manchester City in the 59th minute.
Manchester City broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when Rodrigo made a close-range finish, assisted by Bernardo Silva.
Two minutes later, Inter Milan missed an opportunity to level after Federico Dimarco hit the crossbar with a header.
Phil Foden lost a chance to double the lead in the 78th minute.
Ederson again produced a fantastic save to deny two headers from Romelu Lukaku in the 88th minute and Robin Gosens in stoppage time, respectively.
Manchester City, Guardiola complete historic season with treble
Rodrigo, who scored the winner, said it was not easy to clinch the win. “What a team we faced, the way they defend and counterattack. We gave everything,” he said.
Captain Ilkay Gundogan shared his thoughts on his side winning the title. “We knew everyone was talking about the Treble. The pressure was there but this team is built to handle the pressure in the best possible way,” he said.
Inter Milan defender said Federico Dimarco said his time is disappointed to have lost the most important game and disappointed to have played on equal terms with a team built to win the competition, “Sadly, we didn’t score.”
The Citizens manager Pep Guardiola have now clinched 14 major trophies since joining the team in 2016 — a collection including five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, one Champions League and two Community Shields.
The 42-year-old Spainaird became the first manager to win the sterling silver trophy twice — Barcelona in 2009 and City in 2023.
Manchester City will begin the 2023 – 24 season with a chance to play in the European Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time in their history.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Manchester City on winning the title.
“I would like to thank everyone who once again proved Türkiye’s hospitality and contributed to the smooth and successful organization of this great organization,” Erdogan tweeted.
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