Man City won the 2023 Champions League after beating Inter Milan 1-0 in the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.
The winning goal came from the unlikeliest of sources, with defensive midfielder Rodri slotting home the decisive shot from just inside the area in the 68th minute.
Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City had been heavy favourites to win the tie, but were pushed hard by the Italian side.
Man City win Champions League
A scrappy game was decided by the solitary goal. Despite being the dominant side, Man City failed to make many clear chances.
Man City lost their creative spark and midfield hero Kevin De Bruyne to injury midway through the first half.
After the break the deadlock continued. Attacking stars Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish and Bernado Silva had no way to get beyond the resolute Italian defending.
The goal came after a cut-back from Bernado Silva in a crowded box found Spaniard Rodri unmarked on 16 yards.
It set up a tense final 20 minutes for both sides.
Inter Milan seemed certain to equalise moments before the 90th minute when Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku had a free header from two yards out. It was met with a stunning save, the best in the history of Manchester City, by Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson.
That was enough to give City their first European Cup and the biggest prize in European football.
Watching on was Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of UAE.
It was only the second competitive game Sheikh Mansour has attended in the 15 years since buying the club. It has been a period of tremendous success for Man City, who have won seven English Premier League titles in that time.
It was the European Cup that is the most prized asset for the club, however.
Man City victory
It brings an end to another trophy-filled season for the Manchester side.
The European Cup was the final piece in a treble of trophies after winning the Premier League and FA Cup.
As well as dominating on the pitch and filling up the club trophy cabinet Man City have delivered value for their UAE owners.
This week they were named the world’s most valuable football club brand, according to the Brand Finance Football 50 2023 report.
This marks the first time that the club has topped the report.
It was revealed that Manchester City’s brand value has seen a 34 per cent positive growth since the pandemic with the Premier League champions overtaking Real Madrid, a first for an English Club in more than six years.
The reasons for the club’s high rankings were outlined to be dominance on the pitch and highest revenue.
In this season, the club has also topped the charts for the Deloitte Money League for the second year in a row after recording revenue of £613m ($770m) and profits of £41.7m ($52m).
