Champions League 2023, final
Ataturk Olympic Stadium (Istanbul)
Man City-Inter Milan 1-0
Goal: Rodri (68th)
Thanks to a goal from Rodri, Manchester City got the better of Inter’s defensive lock 1-0. The Citizens suffered but they won the first Champions League in their history.
Widely favorite at kick-off, Manchester City had everything to win their first Champions League. Like Chelsea in 2021, Inter relied on a good defensive organization to counter Pep Guardiola’s men. For an hour, the scenario was perfect for the Italians. They contained the Citizens well, who found few openings in the area. B. Silva (5th) did not fit his wrapped shot while Haaland stumbled on Onana at a tight angle (28th). English affairs were not getting better with the injury exit of De Bruyne (36th), hit in the hamstring. Inter padlocked the match well at half-time, delivering a consistent copy.
81. ICONIC 👊
🔵 1-0 ⚫️ #ManCity | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/YP9LJoa4gr
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 10, 2023
The trap loomed more and more for City after the break when Inter created their first dangerous situations. Lautaro Martinez started behind Akanji and it took a quick exit from Ederson to counter the Argentinian (58th). As the Nerazzuri got the upper hand, City struck. Akanji found Bernardo Silva in the box. The center of the Portuguese was badly returned and Rodri adjusted Onana with a precise shot from the entrance to the surface. Inter reacted via a lobbed header from Dimarco on the bar but his second attempt was blocked by Lukaku (71st). City knew he had to take cover but Foden saw his breakthrough and his strike neutralized by a save from Onana (78th). The internal pressure was intense especially when Lukaku was found in the box in the 88th minute. But, alone at two meters, he placed his head on Ederson while Dias cleared in disaster. The last fear before joy. Manchester City win their first Champions League.
