Treble winners: Manchester City equal Alex Ferguson’s 1999 team

In a momentous night for Manchester City, they secured their first-ever Champions League title and completed an extraordinary treble by defeating Inter Milan in a thrilling final. The long-awaited triumph marked a significant milestone for the Premier League side, who had been striving for European success since their takeover by Sheikh Mansour in 2008.

Aware of the significance of the occasion, Sheikh Mansour attended only his second-ever competitive City game, anticipating something special in Istanbul on Saturday. Manager Pep Guardiola, having learned from past mistakes, fielded a formidable lineup, although Kyle Walker was absent from the starting eleven, having featured in the competition only three times throughout the campaign.

Despite being favored to win, City encountered a resolute Inter Milan side in the first half, who executed a superb pressing game. Guardiola’s team suffered an early setback when Kevin De Bruyne was forced off the pitch due to an injury after just 36 minutes.

The first half ended without either team breaking the deadlock, with the tactical battle unfolding rather than producing a classic display of football.

Shortly before the hour mark, Guardiola found himself imploring his team to regain control after a significant mistake from Manuel Akanji. The defender’s misguided back pass to goalkeeper Ederson allowed Lautaro Martinez to exploit the situation, surging unmarked into the penalty area. Faced with the option of crossing the ball to Romelu Lukaku, Martinez opted for a shot at goal, only to be swiftly denied by the alert Ederson, who had advanced from his line.

City’s breakthrough arrived less than 10 minutes later when Rodri, who had been left on the bench during the final two years ago, rewrote history. Seizing the opportunity from Bernardo Silva’s deflected cross, the midfielder expertly curled the ball around two defenders and into the bottom corner of the net.

City’s lead narrowly survived a scare when Federico Dimarco struck the top of the crossbar with a header just two minutes after Rodri’s goal. As the ball rebounded, Dimarco attempted a second effort, but his header ricocheted off Lukaku’s legs and stayed on target.

Former Manchester United striker Lukaku, who could have been the difference-maker, inadvertently played into City’s hands. In the closing stages, he had a golden opportunity to equalize but instead directed his header back toward Ederson, who managed to save the shot with his knee.

Despite their favorites’ tag, City faced a determined challenge from Inter Milan in the first half as the Italian side relentlessly pressed them. The blow of losing De Bruyne to injury further complicated matters for Guardiola’s team. Nevertheless, neither side could find a breakthrough before halftime, resulting in a tactically intriguing but less-than-thrilling opening 45 minutes.

In the end, City had to patiently wait for Rodri’s goal to clinch the coveted Champions League trophy, etching their name in footballing history and completing an exceptional treble of domestic league, domestic cup, and European success.

The victory served as a testament to the progress made by Manchester City since the arrival of Sheikh Mansour over a decade ago, culminating in a triumphant night in Istanbul.