Manchester City continues to reign in Europe, even if it is on penalties. The champions of the Champions League won their first Super Cup after overcoming a combative and abrupt Sevilla in the penalty shootout (5-4), who put them against the ropes, who were able to advance -se with a splendid goal from En-Nesyri, and that he forgave what is not written. Palmer equalized (1-1), Bono avoided defeat in the final stretch and sent the decision to penalties. Gudelj failed Russian roulette on the last roll. Sevilla are left without their second European super crown (the only one they have is that of 2006, which was won by Barça), and Pep Guardiola adds the fifth to his account, his title number 36 as a coach.
The favorite this time had no discussion: a City champion of Europe, considered the best team in the world, the one that plays the best football, even if it had the sensitive losses of Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias.
Sevilla, after their bad start to the League (defeat at home against Valencia), and in full configuration of the squad, held on to their chameleon ability to encourage themselves in Europe, as it has shown with the seven European leagues which make him the absolute king of the second continental trophy. Aware of the technical superiority of the Celestials, Mendilibar bet his options on intensity and pressure to suffocate and not let City play. However, despite pressing during the opening minutes, it was City who gradually shrugged off the Andalusian pressure and prevailed with possession and chances. Palmer started the repertoire with a long shot that Bono stopped (. 7), the Moroccan goalkeeper showed off again with a great save from Aké’s header (. 8), and again he had to intervene to clear his fists in a poisoned cross (. 11) and in a shot with effect from Grealish (. 17). City’s harassment forced Sevilla into their field.
When City were most pressing, Sevilla made an unexpected attack. In a counterattack drawn with tight lines, Ocampos served to the left to Acuña, who placed a measured cross in the heart of the area. It appeared suspended in the sky En-Nesyri, who finished impetuously over Gvardiol and Aké. A fabulous goal that put Sevilla ahead and with confidence (0-1). He encouraged himself and five minutes later enjoyed a great opportunity to make it 0-2, but Lamela shot wide (m.30) when he had the best chance to score.
He pressed and pressed City, who couldn’t find a way to pierce a Sevilla that was increasingly walled back, solid, defending tooth and nail the advantage, and looking for the surprising counter. Getting to the break was golden. After going through the changing rooms, Sevilla had the best opportunity to end the final five minutes in, but En-Nesyri missed at the feet of Ederson. It was the first of the four cons he had to finish the final.
What football has, when City seemed most touched, Palmer equalized with a header from Rodri’s cross (m. 63). At the same time as they forgave Sevilla, City revived by recovering their best version and turned Bono into a Seville hero by avoiding the 2-1 four times, with Palmer’s shot, Håland’s shot – very well guarded all night between Gudelj and Bade -, to Grealish’s long shot, and most clearly, to Aké’s cannonball in the 90th minute. Thanks to Bono, the final went to penalties. In the shootout from 11 meters, Sevilla fell 5-4 after Gudelj missed the last shot, which crashed into the crossbar. City were champions of the Super Cup for the first time in their first super final.
