After a thrilling game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, Manchester City maintained their composure to defeat Sevilla 5-4 on penalties and win the UEFA Super Cup for the first time in their history.
The shootout’s first nine attempts were all successful on Wednesday, but Man City won after Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj missed his spot-kick against the crossbar. Man City had previously lost the Community Shield in England on penalties to Arsenal.
It was the 15th trophy won by Manchester City since manager Pep Guardiola took over in 2016, and it made up for the team’s most recent Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
City midfielder Jack Grealish said, “The manager made it so clear to us before the game how much he wants to win this trophy.”
“You always want to win, but that made us want to win even more. This team has never succeeded. It’s a wonderful sensation,” he declared.
Kyle Walker of City raised the trophy while his colleagues on the stage in the middle of the field chanted “Champions” and held up ticker tape.
After the game, Erik Lamela of Sevilla remarked, “It’s really frustrating for us, but I’m proud of my teammates.” The team performed admirably; against a very, very excellent squad, we ran a lot.
Youssef En-Nesyri’s thunderous header gave Europa League champion Sevilla the lead in the 25th minute, but Cole Palmer’s header for Man City in the 63rd minute equalized the score.
The Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Athens, Greece, hosted a thrilling contest as an obstinate Sevilla caused many issues for a City defense that was frequently exposed. The game was played there in the sweltering heat and humidity.
Sevilla’s strong high pressing and En-Nesyri’s missed opportunities caused discomfort for the Champions League champions from the previous season until he scored on a counterattack.
Moroccan attacker Mohamed Elyounoussi rose above Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol to meet a wonderful cross from the left and smash a thunderous header past goalkeeper Ederson.
Before Manchester City began to control the game, Erik Lamela wasted another excellent opportunity for Sevilla. Manchester City finished the first half well as Mateo Kovacic and Erling Haaland narrowly missed converting crosses from Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.
However, Sevilla made a good start to the second half, and En-Nesyri squandered a clear-cut opportunity after a stunning counterattack launched by Lucas Ocampos. Before Rodri spotted Palmer skulking behind the defense and Palmer produced a brilliant header that arced over goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and into the net, the Moroccan striker squandered another excellent opportunity.
In extra time, Nathan Ake had a chance to give City the victory, but Bounou expertly blocked his stooping header from five yards out. Bounou also nearly stopped Kyle Walker’s penalty kick in the shootout before Gudelj hit the crossbar.
“The game was always going to be difficult. The guys performed admirably. Although we need to be more precise, we succeeded, Walker, the captain of Manchester City, told TNT Sports.
“Anyone who has played with me knows that I dislike taking penalties because I dislike disappointing people if I fail. Pep scheduled me for five. I wished to exhibit leadership. Fortunately, it was the winning shot that went in, he remarked.
If Manchester City were to win the Club World Cup in December, it would bring to five the number of honors Guardiola has received since moving to England, in addition to the club’s first Champions League, four League Cups, two FA Cups, and the club’s first five Premier League championships.
Guardiola stated on Wednesday, “We are tremendously happy for the club to win this. To complete the circle and get every championship possible, “we miss just one.”
