On Saturday, June 10, Manchester City secured their first-ever Champions League title with a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan at Istanbul’s Ataturk Olimpiyat Stadium. Despite not displaying their usual fluent style throughout the match, Pep Guardiola’s team managed to secure a narrow win, continuing their winning streak after triumphing over Manchester United in the FA Cup final the previous weekend. The Citizens faced difficulties in asserting their dominance over the Italians during a tight first half, and their best effort, an attempt by Erling Haaland, was well blocked by Andre Onana. Guardiola’s frustration increased when Kevin de Bruyne, the Belgian star, had to leave the match due to a hamstring injury, marking the second consecutive Champions League final in which he was forced to withdraw. In the 68th minute, Spanish midfielder Rodri’s goal broke the deadlock in a cautious contest that City, although far from their best, controlled. However, they never seemed entirely comfortable against the three-time champions. In the dying moments of the game, Inter came close to equalizing when substitute Romelu Lukaku’s close-range header was saved by Ederson. Nevertheless, City held on to claim their first European silverware since 1970. This victory completed a treble for City, making them the second English club to achieve this remarkable feat, following in the footsteps of Manchester United, who accomplished it in 1999 by winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Manchester City’s triumph in the Champions League marks their first-ever victory in European soccer’s most prestigious club competition. However, for their coach, Pep Guardiola, it is the third time he has lifted the coveted trophy. This historic win represents the culmination of City’s long-standing ambition to reach the pinnacle of European football, a goal they have pursued for 15 years since being transformed into one of the wealthiest clubs globally by Abu Dhabi’s ruling family. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the owner of the club, was present at the match to witness City’s crowning moment. Remarkably, it was only the second time in 15 years that he watched his team play in person.
In addition to Manchester City’s recent victory, Pep Guardiola has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the only coach to win a treble with two different clubs. His first treble triumph occurred with FC Barcelona during the 2008/09 season. Guardiola’s exceptional coaching abilities have also secured him a place in football history as only the third manager ever to win the Champions League with two different teams. This achievement further solidifies Guardiola’s status as one of the most successful and influential managers in the game.