“It’s a great relief”

Pep Guardiola has reached the peak of his dreams. The Catalan football star coach led Manchester City to their first Champions League triumph in the club’s history, the 1-0 (0-0) win over Inter Milan in the final in Istanbul, where Rodri scored the golden goal in the 68th minute “sky blues” in the select circle of only eight clubs that have won the triple of premier class, championship and cup within one season. Previously this feat was Celtic Glasgow (1967), Ajax Amsterdam (1972), PSV Eindhoven (1988), Manchester United (1999), FC Barcelona (2009, 2015), Inter Milan (2010) and Bayern Munich (2013, 2020) succeded.

“It’s a great relief for all of us. Now the eternal questioning about the first international title is over”said Guardiola, who continues to be driven by ambition. “We must now confirm these successes and work even harder for them.” The 52-year-old’s challenge to Real Madrid, i.e. to them, did not sound very serious “royal”who have won the trophy with the giant ears 14 times.

“I’m incredibly proud”

“We’re just 13 Champions League wins away. Be careful Real Madrid because we’re on to you. If you sleep a bit, we’ll catch up with you”, Guardiola smiled. His “Citizens” showed that they can survive without a gala performance by their super striker Erling Braut Haaland (52 goals in 53 competitive games this season) and despite the absence of playmaker Kevin De Bruyne due to injury.

Man City had to suffer, Inter defied the English top club and found excellent opportunities (including a crossball) to equalize. “We clearly didn’t deserve to lose”stressed Simone Inzaghi, the Nerazzurri coach: “I’m incredibly proud of my players, I wouldn’t trade them for anyone. The whole world saw why. We only allowed very little against a very strong team.” A moment of inattention was enough.

When Manuel Akanji filled his tank on the right wing and played the ideal pass in the middle behind the Inter defense, nobody saw Rodri (market value 80 million euros) responsible. The 26-year-old from Madrilene, who moved from Atletico to ManCity in 2019, sank the ball past the Italian “Wall” – skilfully with the inside in the right corner.

This shot was worth 20 million euros. This is the UEFA premium that City collects for the title. “A dream has come true for us. Each of us deserves to hold this trophy in our hands. It wasn’t easy at all, Inter played a great game”said Rodri. Akanji did not skimp on self-criticism: “I think that was one of our worst games of the season in terms of performance. But that doesn’t matter because we fought incredibly.” Now it’s time to party till you drop.

International press reviews

“Tears of Champions. Inter, how annoying! The Nerazzurri leave the pitch in tears but with their heads held high. There was no more honorable way to lose the final to a stronger team, the best in the world, perhaps the greatest in the long history of the Premier League.”
Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy

“Inter, bitter tears in Istanbul. City wins the Champions League. A goal from Rodri sealed the defeat for Simone Inzaghi’s side, who performed with pride and regret. Lautaro and Romelu Lukaku miss great chances in the final.”
Corriere dello Sport, Italy

“Inter caged the lion for almost 70 minutes but then got distracted for a moment – ​​and got eaten.”
La Republica, Italy

“The shattered dream. The Nerazzurri play evenly, but are punished by mistakes and bad luck: Lukuku “parries” against Dimarco and then misses with a header. Guardiola manages the treble – but there is also a treble for Italy: All three European finals in 2023 (Roma against Seville, Fiorentina against West Ham, Inter against ManCity) were lost.”
Tuttosport, Italy

“For Manchester City it was the crowning glory, the trophy they wanted to complete the ultimate set. It is often said that clubs must suffer before they win the Champions League and as City have done, particularly in the Pep Guardiola years when dominance at home was no guarantee in Europe’s most elite and unpredictable competition.”
The Guardian, UK

“In 12 years, the Citizens have been English champions seven times – and now Pep Guardiola’s side have repeated the epic success of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in 1999 in a single season – Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. Heart, what do you want more?”
The Telegraph, UK

“City’s Turkish Delight: The Skyblues crown themselves champions of Europe and complete historic treble.”
Daily Mail, England

“Manchester City have finally found their gold. They can lift their first Champions League trophy, the big dream of the Arab owners who bought the club in 2008 and started signing stars. It’s the magic treble by beating Inter Milan that put up more than anyone expected.”
Mundo Deportivo, Spain

“Manchester City and Guardiola touch the sky. A goal from Rodri gives Peps City their first ever Champions League title.”
Marça, Spain

“The esthete Pep Guardiola is finally being rewarded with City. The Spanish tightrope walker, master of beautiful play and innovation, has reconciled with the Champions League. The past disappointments are erased.”
Le Figaro, France

“Even if the last step was really difficult: Manchester City’s triumph marks a turning point. Pep Guardiola creates a masterpiece for history.”
FAZ, Germany