Manchester City moved one step closer to an unprecedented treble after defeating rivals Manchester United 2-1 in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
With this victory at Wembley, Pep Guardiola’s men completed a domestic double and now have the opportunity to become only the second team, following Manchester United in the 1998/99 season, to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in a single campaign.
Their chance to claim European glory comes on June 10 when they face Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
Ilkay Gundogan, who scored the fastest goal in FA Cup final history after just 12 seconds, was the hero of the match. United managed to level the score through Bruno Fernandes’ penalty in the 33rd minute, awarded controversially for Jack Grealish’s handball.
However, City’s captain, Gundogan, netted the winner with a spectacular volley in the 51st minute. Reflecting on the victory, Gundogan expressed his joy, stating, “Everyone knows the FA Cup is the most beautiful domestic club competition in the world, so to win this trophy again and complete the double is amazing for us. We have a chance to do something special and win the treble, and we do not want to let this opportunity pass us by.”
The first-ever major final between the Manchester giants kicked off with an explosive start.
Gundogan capitalized on Victor Lindelof’s headed clearance, volleying a stunning strike into the net. City dominated the early stages, with Rodri and Erling Haaland coming close to extending the lead.
United struggled to gain momentum but received a lifeline when Grealish’s arm made contact with the ball inside the box.
Fernandes calmly converted the penalty, causing uproar among City fans. Tempers flared, and objects were thrown from the stands, one of which hit Lindelof.
The second half saw City seize control once again, and Gundogan proved pivotal. He found the back of the net from Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick, leaving questions about United goalkeeper David De Gea’s performance as he failed to keep the shot out.
Despite some late scares, including a goalmouth scramble, United couldn’t find an equalizer. Guardiola claimed his 11th major trophy as City manager, inching closer to the remarkable legacy of Alex Ferguson’s iconic team from 24 years ago.
Now, City’s focus turns to the Champions League final in Istanbul, where they aim to match the historic achievement of English club football’s greatest triumph.
Only Inter Milan stands between them and etching their name in football history.
