FA Cup Final: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
Manchester City moved a step closer to a historic treble by beating rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup Final. Manchester City got off to the perfect start as Ilkay Gundogan volleyed home to give City the lead after just 13 seconds! Rodri then came super close to making it 2-0 to Man City before Manchester United were awarded a penalty after the ball hit Jack Grealish’s hand. A week later and I still don’t know how this was given as a penalty. Anyway, Man United capitalised from the situation as Bruno Fernandes scored from 12 yards to level the game up at 1-1 after 33 minutes. Raphael Varane then missed a good opportunity late in the first half before Ilkay Gundogan, in the second half, scored another volleyed goal to put Manchester City back in front. David De Gea will be kicking himself that he didn’t save Gundogan’s effort. David De Gea denied Kevin De Bruyne later on before he pulled off a really good stop to stop Erling Haaland from wrapping up a City victory. Gundogan actually put the ball into the back of the net on the rebound, but he was clearly offside. In additional time at the end of the game, Manchester United managed to hit the crossbar and the ball eventually went over the bar. Overall, this was another great result for Manchester City as they sealed their 2nd trophy of the season. City would now look to seal a historic treble when they played Inter Milan in the Champions League Final (we’ll get to that later). As for Manchester United, it’s a disappointing loss for them, but it doesn’t change the fact that United have had a good season.
UEFA Europa Conference League Final: Fiorentina 1-2 West Ham
West Ham scored in the 90th minute to become UEFA Europa Conference League Champions! Declan Rice came close to putting West Ham in front after 13 minutes, but his effort went wide of the target. In additional time at the end of the first half, Christian Kouame hit the post for Fiorentina before Luka Jovic put the ball into the back of the West Ham net. However, the goal was ruled out due to Jovic being in an offside position. In the second half, West Ham United were awarded a penalty for a handball by Cristiano Biraghi. Said Benrahma stepped up and scored to put West Ham in front after 62 minutes. Just 5 minutes later and Fiorentina were level though as Giacomo Bonaventura scored with a nice finish. Rolando Mandragora then had a golden opportunity to put Fiorentina in front, but he squandered it by putting the ball wide. And then, in the 90th minute, Jarrod Bowen scored to send West Ham United fans into raptures! In the end, it’s heartbreak for Fiorentina, but they should still be happy with themselves for making it this far. As for West Ham, what a brilliant achievement for them and it’s also guaranteed them a place in next season’s UEFA Europa League.
UEFA Champions League Final: Manchester City 1-0 Inter Milan
Manchester City finally became Champions of Europe to seal a historic treble! Bernardo Silva came close to putting Manchester City in front early on, but his effort curled just wide of the post. Erling Haaland got his first opportunity of the game midway through the first half, but his effort was able to be dealt with by Andre Onana. In the second half, a breakdown in communication between Ederson and Manuel Akanji allowed Lautaro Martinez a shot at goal, but Ederson was able to deny him. In the 68th minute, Manchester City took the lead through an excellent strike by Rodri. Federico Dimarco should’ve equalised for Inter just a couple of minutes later, but his first effort hit the crossbar and his rebounded effort was blocked by his own teammate (Romelu Lukaku). Phil Foden then did exceptionally well for Man City, but his effort was saved by Onana. What a moment that would’ve been. In the 88th minute, Romelu Lukaku missed a sitter for Inter Milan as he headed the ball straight at the knee of Ederson before Ruben Dias brilliantly headed the ball out for a corner. I have no idea how Lukaku didn’t score! With the last kick of the game, Ederson pulled off another super stop to deny Robin Gosens and seal Manchester City their first-ever Champions League Trophy! Overall, what an incredible moment/season for everyone connected with Manchester City Football Club as they secure a historic treble! As for Inter Milan, it’s heart-breaking for them, but I’m happy that they got to show the world just how good they truly are.
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