Manchester City won the first-ever Champions League trophy after beating Inter Milan 1-0 at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on Saturday.
Manchester City have equaled the legendary treble won by Manchester United in 1999 by winning this season: English Premiership, FA Final and Champions League cup.
Spanish midfielder Rodri’s 68th-minute goal settled a cagey contest that a far-from-fluent City dominated but they never looked comfortable against the three-time winners.
City’s winner came when Rodri collected Bernardo Silva’s cutback and fired through a crowded penalty box.
The relief was unmistakable as he raced towards City’s fans and slid on his knees in celebration.
Also read: UEFA Champions League final: Manchester City vs. Inter Milan
City manager Pep Guardiola has now won the Champions League three times and took his trophy count with City to 12.
Pep Guardiola’s side travelled to Istanbul to banish the memories of two years ago, when they lost out to Chelsea in the 2021 final.
City triumphed despite losing inspirational midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to an injury in the first half.
The victory means the club finally achieved its ambition of reaching the summit of European soccer, 15 years after Abu Dhabi’s ruling family transformed it into the richest teams in the world.
Owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan was in attendance to see City’s crowning moment. It was only the second time he has watched his team in person in 15 years.
Romelu Lukaku had the chance to score a late equalizer, but headed straight at Ederson from about four meters (yards) out.
Inter almost evened the score within minutes of that goal when Federico Dimarco hit the bar from close range.
