Manchester City’s Historic Victory: Recap of the 2023 UEFA Champions League Final

Manchester City’s triumph wasn’t just a standalone victory; it completed their continental treble, a rare feat achieved only once before in English men’s football history. This success, following their earlier wins in the Premier League and FA Cup, propelled them into an elite club of achievers. Their triumph didn’t end there; as champions, they secured a spot in the 2023 UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla, winners of the 2022–23 UEFA Europa League. Additionally, they qualified for the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and eventually claimed victory in both tournaments. Their journey continued with a qualification for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup through UEFA’s champions pathway.

Originally set to take place at Wembley Stadium, the final’s location shifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on previous schedules. Istanbul, initially scheduled for the 2021 final before relocation, reclaimed its hosting rights for 2023, while Munich was designated for the 2025 final as part of the adjusted hosting sequence. This change exemplifies the adaptability and resilience required in global sporting events amidst challenging circumstances.

This was Manchester City and Inter Milan’s first-ever encounter in a UEFA competition. This was Manchester City’s second appearance in the UEFA Champions League final since Pep Guardiola took over, and their first since 2021, when they were defeated 1-0 by Chelsea at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto. Guardiola was trying to win his first UEFA Champions League final since they defeated Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley Stadium in 2011 with his previous employers, Barcelona.

Manchester City, who had already won the FA Cup and the Premier League, was also aiming for the European trifecta. However, this was Inter Milan’s sixth appearance in the UEFA Champions League final. They had previously won the continental treble against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in 2010, 1–0 against Benfica at their home stadium of the San Siro in 1965, and 3–1 against Real Madrid at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in 1964. They also lost 2–1 to Celtic at the Estadio Nacional in 1967 and 2–0 to Ajax at De Kuip in 1972.

Match Analysis

Unexpectedly, Manchester City opened the final with Nathan Ake beginning in place of Kyle Walker, while Inter Milan started Marcelo Brozovic in place of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who was making a comeback from injury. Early in the first half, both teams had opportunities to score, but Inter’s Andre Onana made two saves to keep City from grabbing the lead.

Nicolo Barella intercepted a misplaced pass from Ederson in the 26th minute, but his attempt to beat the goalkeeper was unsuccessful. With a hamstring injury, Kevin De Bruyne left the game in the 36th minute. Phil Foden took his place. With Inter playing conservatively to stop City from building momentum, the first half ended scoreless.

Early in the second half, Romelu Lukaku was substituted for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, and he promptly created a header opportunity. When Manuel Akanji found him with a backpass in the 59th minute, Ederson failed to stop it; Lautaro Martinez of Inter stopped his shot from close to the touchline. In the 68th minute, Rodri opened the score for City when he finished a pulled-back pass that Bernardo Silva had played from close to the goal to the top of the penalty area.

Also Read: FA Cup Final 2023: Manchester City’s Victory in Historic Clash Against Manchester United