Manchester City champion of Europe, how many regrets for Inter Milan
Manchester City champion of Europe, how many regrets for Inter Milan
Inter’s dream shattered in the final: Manchester City became European champions for the first time, overcoming the Nerazzurri 1-0 in the Istanbul final.
So many regrets for Simone Inzaghi’s team, which did not demerit at all and was sunk by Rodri in the 68th minute: unfortunately decisive for the Nerazzurri were the serious errors under goal by Lautaro Martinez and Lukaku, then Ederson did well in the final on Gosens.
The Citizens win the first Champions League in their history and complete the “Treble,” equaling Mancnester City 1998/1999.
Definitely better Inter in the beginning, Manchester City contracted, but in attack the Nerazzurri created very little: only in the 27th minute Barella had a chance after a wretched pass from Ederson, but his shot ended high over the crossbar.
City responded in the 28th minute with Haaland, shot repelled by Onana, and a minute later with De Bruyne. After the half-hour tegola for Guardiola’s team: the same De Bruyne has to leave the field with a muscle problem, in his place Foden. A curse for the Belgian, who had already gone out in the Champions League final against Chelsea two years ago.
In the second half the canvas remains the same at the start: Manchester City’s ball possession intensifies, but without creating any real danger from Onana’s side. In the 56th minute, exhausted Dzeko calls for a change: in comes Romelu Lukaku.
In the 59th minute, golden opportunity for Lautaro Martinez: after a mistake by Akanji, the Toro comes face-to-face with Ederson but lacks lucidity by shooting at the Brazilian goalkeeper instead of passing it to the very free Lukaku. It’s the first real Nerazzurri-branded goal ball of the match.
Manchester City increased the pressure, crushed Inter in its own area and took the lead in the 68th minute: after an insistent action by Guardiola’s team, Bernardo Silva managed to serve Rodri in the center, who flat struck precisely, leaving Onana no chance.
Inter’s reaction is vehement, but Inzaghi’s team is unlucky: in the 70th minute Dimarco hits the crossbar with a header, then at the moment of the rebound, with the goal unguarded, he unluckily hits Lukaku, who was in front of him and could not get away in time.
Inter is forced to uncover itself, and Manchester City on the counterattack threatens to do very badly: in the 77th minute Foden with a great play finds himself in front of Onana, but wastes everything by kicking weakly. Inzaghi’s team fails to give continuity to its offensive actions, and discovers the flank to the English who aim for the knockout blow.
Breathtaking finale: Lukaku gobbles up the equalizing goal in the 88th minute, his header from a few steps is blocked by Ederson. Then the Brazilian goalkeeper again denies Gosens the equalizing goal. Citizen jubilation at the triple whistle.
