Suara.com – Manchester City finally won the 2022/23 Champions League after defeating Inter Milan 1-0 in the final which took place at the Attaturk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday (11/6/2023) early morning WIB.
Manchester City’s only goal against Inter Milan in that match was scored by Rodri in the 68th minute.
This title was Manchester City’s first title in the Champions League, and became their third title this season. Previously on the domestic scene, The Citizens won the Premier League and FA Cup.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri (right) runs past Inter Milan’s midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu (center) during the Champions League final match at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Sunday June 11, 2023.(FRANCK FIFE/AFP)
Course of the Match
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The tempo of the game was relatively slow in the first half, Manchester City and Inter Milan both started the match with caution.
Until the match had run for 20 minutes, City were still having trouble developing the game. Meanwhile, Inter, who were successful in disrupting the midfield of The Citizens, began to spread threats intensely.
Slowly but surely, Pep Guardiola’s team began to find a rhythm. They got their first chance in the 26th minute.
Apart from the offside trap, Erling Haaland, who received a ball from Kevin de Bruyne, fired hard from a tight angle. The ball went straight to the goal but was dammed by Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Entering the 28th minute, it was Kevin de Bruyne’s turn to get the chance. Getting into the shooting space, the Belgian winger kicks off hard.
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Unfortunately the ball turned after hitting Hakan Calhanoglu’s body and headed right at Onana.
Seven minutes later the first substitution of this match occurred. De Bruyne was substituted in the 35th minute with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Phil Foden.
In the last 10 minutes of the first half, City launched pressure after pressure. However, until halftime the points score did not change.
Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana saves Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (Center) in the Champions League final which took place at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Sunday 11 June 2023. (OZAN KOSE / AFP)
In contrast to the start of the first half, both teams started the second half with a fast tempo. Buying and selling attacks occur even though they have not produced results.
Entering the 56th minute Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi made a substitution. Edin Dzeko was pulled out, replaced by Romelu Lukaku.
In the 58th minute Inter Milan got a golden opportunity after City defender Manuel Akanji made a mistake in reading the situation so Lautaro Martinez grabbed the ball.
But unfortunately, this opportunity ran aground, Martinez, who had already faced one on one with Ederson, failed to beat the Brazilian goalkeeper.
City finally managed to break the deadlock in the 68th minute. Receiving a wild ball, Rodri fired a hard shot that lodged in the left side of Onana’s goal. Man City lead 1-0.
Left behind by one goal, Inter immediately reacted. Two minutes later, the Nerazzurri almost equalized had Dimarco’s header not knocked off the crossbar and his second attempt not found Lukaku’s leg.
In minute 72, Inter again spread threats. Escaped from control, Lukaku fired a shot from the right side. Unfortunately his shot was too weak and the ball was easily anticipated by Ederson.
City almost doubled their advantage in the 77th minute. Luckily for Inter, the direction of the ball from Phil Foden’s flick was well read by Onana.
Inter got a golden opportunity two minutes before the end of normal game time. Free standing unmarked, Lukaku, who was in front of goal, headed the ball towards the middle, but the opportunity ran aground. The ball hit Ederson’s leg.
Until the fight was over, the score was 1-0 for Manchester City’s advantage. City won the Champions League this season.
Player lineup
Manchester City (3-2-4-1):
Ederson; Manuel Akanji, Reuben Dias, Nathan Ake; John Stone, Rodri; Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish; Erling Haaland.
Inter Milan (3-5-2):
Andre Onana; Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian; Federico Dimarco, Hakan Calhanoglu, Marcelo Brozovic, Nicolo Barella, Denzel Dumfries; Lautaro Martinez, Edin Dzeko.
