Following their success in the FA Cup and Premier League, the pressure was firmly on City to write themselves into the history books, and they duly obliged. Though it took Pep Guardiola’s side until the 68th minute to make the breakthrough, with Rodri providing the all-important moment of excellence when the ball fell to him on the edge of the box following a blocked cross – curling a sensational effort past Andre Onana. Though City had to do it the hard way on the night, with Simone Inzaghi coming incredibly close to orchestrating a tactical masterclass in Istanbul. Inter Milan pressed with aggression and in numbers throughout the tie, with Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Barella both missing key chances when winning possession in the final third. City also lost the services of Kevin De Bruyne early in the final too, with the Belgian playmaker sustaining an injury to his hamstring after a strong challenge in the centre of the park and being replaced by Phil Foden.

Source: Express June 10, 2023 19:13 UTC