For Manchester City, it was the crowning glory, the trophy they have craved to complete the ultimate set. It is often said that clubs must suffer before they win the Champions League and how City have done so, especially during the Pep Guardiola years when domestic dominance has brought no guarantees in Europe’s elite and most capricious competition.
They suffered some more here, Internazionale pushing them all the way, much further than many had expected, all the way to the last action. The team that finished third in Serie A were the equal of City for much of a high-stress night in Istanbul and they would depart with bitter regrets, the fine margins against them.
