Manchester City are the kings of Europe for the first time after beating Inter Milan 1-0 to win the Champions League.
In a tight and cagey affair, Rodri’s second-half thunderbolt was the difference to not only win the European Cup, but also seal an historic treble. Pep Guardiola’s side had already lifted the Premier League and FA Cup, and they now join neighbours United as the only English side to win all three major honours in the same season.
City arrived at the Ataturk Stadium as overwhelming favourites, but were made to work by the Italians, who proved their presence in the final was no fluke. Bernardo Silva had the first big chance, but after driving into the box his curling effort narrowly missed the angle of post and bar.
Erling Haaland had the next opportunity, but shot straight at Andre Onana after being put through by Kevin De Bruyne. And that pass proved to be the Belgian’s last meaningful contribution as he was forced out of a Champions League final for the second time in three seasons.
Against Chelsea, De Bruyne suffered a sickening facial injury and while this time around it was more of a tweak in his hamstring, the result was the same. Phil Foden came on for him, but the blow seemed to suck some of the life out of City, with Inter growing into the game.
But City bided their time and found an opener shortly after the hour mark when Rodri ran onto a loose ball to fire a strike into the back of Onana’s net. But the lead was nearly erased just moments later only to see Federico Dimarco’s first header come off the crossbar and his goalbound second effort strike the back of Romelu Lukaku’s legs.
And with two minutes of regular time remaining Lukaku, somehow, with the goal at his mercy, put his header straight at Ederson before Ruben Dias headed behind for a corner.
Mirror Sport's chief football writer John Cross was in attendance in the Ataturk Stadium on a night of history to rate the Man City stars whose place in the club's folklore is safely assured.
Manchester City player ratings (3-2-4-1)
Ederson 8
Three huge saves as he denied Martinez, Lukaku and saved his best for last in injury time.
Akanji 6
His mistake let in Martinez, certainly not his best night. Shaky.
Dias 7
His passing stats were off the scale, a near faultless display. Kingpin.
Ake 6
His selection - effectively over Walker - was Pep’s big call. Didn’t work.
Stones 8
The one player who really drove City forward and kept them going.
Rodri 9
City’s hero with the all-important opener. Solid again, important shift.
De Bruyne 6
You have to feel for him. Another Champions League final, more injury heartbreak.
Gundogan 6
After so many recent big nights, this was quiet by comparison. Solid.
Silva 7
Got better and his quality showed when it mattered with an assist.
Grealish 6
Was frustrated down the left, Inter did a really good job on him.
Haaland 6
Acerbi stuck to him like glue, had one opening which he couldn’t take.
Substitutes
Foden, for De Bruyne, 36 mins, 7
Walker, for Stones, 82 mins. 6
Subs not used: Ortega, Carson, Phillips, Laporte, Alvarez, Gomez, Mahrez, Perrone, Palmer, Lewis.
