Manchester City's team captain Ilkay Gundogan lifts the trophy after winning the Champions League final soccer match between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, June 11, 2023. Manchester City won 1-0. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
ISTANBUL (AP) — Manchester City won the Champions League title for the first time by beating Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul’s Ataturk Olimpiyat Stadium on Saturday.
Rodri struck in the 68th minute to see the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners complete a treble of trophies this season.
Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan holds up the trophy after winning the Champions League final soccer match between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, June 11, 2023. Manchester City defeated Inter Milan 1-0. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
While it is the first time City has won European soccer’s biggest club competition, it is the third time Pep Guardiola has lifted the trophy as a coach.
City triumphed despite losing inspirational midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to an injury in the first half.
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Inter Milan’s Danilo D’Ambrosio, center left, duels for the ball with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, center right, during the Champions League final soccer match between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, June 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
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.
Manchester City’s goalkeeper Ederson deflects the ball during the Champions League final soccer match between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, June 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic is dejected during the Champions League final soccer match between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, June 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
City’s winner came when Rodri collected Bernardo Silva’s cutback and fired through a crowded penalty box.
Manchester City’s Rodrigo celebrates at the end of the Champions League final soccer match between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, June 10, 2023. Manchester City won 1-0. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
The relief was unmistakeable as he raced towards City’s fans and slid on his knees in celebration.
Inter almost evened the score within minutes of that goal when Federico Dimarco hit the bar from close range.
He then looked like turning in the rebound, but saw his shot come back off teammate Lukaku.
Manchester City players celebrate at the end of the Champions League final soccer match between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, June 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
