On 11 June 2023, the stage was set at Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul for the final of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) 2022/23. England’s Manchester City locked horns with Italy’s Inter Milan. Inter have three UCL trophies to their name (1963-64, 1965, 2009-10). Their last title came under Jose Mourinho in 2009-10 which was a treble-wining season for them also. Meanwhile, this was only the second UCL final for City in their history.
In the 2020-21 UCL final, they lost to Chelsea 1-0. So, they were looking to grab their maiden UCL title while Inter were looking for their fourth title. Pep Guardiola and his boys were also looking for a treble-winning season as they came to this clash after winning the Premier League and FA Cup. Simone Inzaghi and his boys were also looking for their third title this season after winning the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana.
Rodri’s sole goal was enough for Man City to bag their maiden UCL title in their history
Both teams began the game equally as Inter players were looking absolutely solid in their plans, especially when it came to defending. Their tactics were working as City’s playmakers were finding it hard to create any chances. However, in the 27th minute, Erling Haaland had a chance when he got a ball from Kevin De Bruyne. But, Andre Onana was up to the task as he saved the effort with his body on the line.
But, in the 36th minute, Guardiola and City fans dealt a shock when De Bruyne was taken off as he was not feeling comfortable. It seemed that it might be a hamstring issue while Phil Foden replaced him. In the UCL final, 2021 also against Chelsea, he was taken off for sustaining a fractured nose and eye socket after a first-half collision. Then, the first half ended at 0-0.
The second half was also not an exception as both teams were looking for an opener. Finally, in the 68th minute, Rodri broke the deadlock for City with a curling effort. Onana had nothing to do as Inter players were left shocked. Then, in the 70th minute, Inter had a chance for an equaliser. But, Dimarco’s loopy header hit the bar and then, his goalbound effort on the rebound was cleared off the line by his teammate, Lukaku unfortunately. After that, in the 88th minute, Lukaku had a great chance to beat Ederson from six yards out with a header. But, he hit that straight to the goalkeeper and got denied from scoring. Finally, the match ended at 1-0 and City won tier maiden UCL Title. They even completed a treble-winning season.
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