Manchester City came out on top of a penalty shoot-out to beat Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup after a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes this evening (see all UEFA Super Cup winners).
As the reigning Champions League holders and the sixth English side to appear in this fixture, Man City came into their Super Cup debut as odds-on favourites to take home the trophy.
But Europa League specialists Sevilla knew how to exploit the absences of Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne despite facing a far more heavily fancied opposition.
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bono stole the show in his last appearance for the Andalusian club, pulling off two stunning early saves to deny Nathan Ake and Jack Grealish.
Los Rojiblancos weathered the storm in the opening 20 minutes and found a foothold in the game, but more importantly, the opening goal through Youssef En-Nesyri.
World Cup winner Marcos Acuna whipped in a delightful cross from the left wing, with the 26-year-old striker heading home to put Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side in front in the 25th minute.
Pep Guardiola’s men enjoyed more possession and controlled the tempo for the remainder of the first half but couldn’t find a way past Bono.
Sevilla came close to doubling their lead early in the second half, but Ederson made an impressive leg save to keep En-Nesyri at bay from point-blank range.
Man City teenager Cole Palmer punished the Moroccan’s miss in the 63rd minute, getting his towering header on the end of Rodri’s inch-perfect cross to level the score.
Palmer’s equaliser changed the game’s dynamics, clipping Sevilla’s wings while putting the wind into the Cityzens’ sails as they pinned the Spaniards to their opening third in the follow-up.
However, Bono’s safe pair of gloves helped Mendilibar’s side endure the siege in the last 20 minutes and take the match to penalties.
Sevilla were first to flinch in the shoot-out as Nemanja Gudelj hit the crossbar after the first four takers found the net to hand Man City the title.
Ratings
Ederson (9/10) – Couldn’t do anything to thwart En-Nesyri’s header. Made numerous vital stops early in the second half.
Kyle Walker (8/10) – Defensively spot on as ever. Nowhere to be seen offensively.
Manuel Akanji (6/10) – Made too many sloppy passes. Lucky Man City didn’t pay for his errors.
Josko Gvardiol (7/10) – Lost track of En-Nesyri for Sevilla’s opener. Composed with the ball at his feet.
Nathan Ake (8/10) – Another superb defensive showing from the Dutchman. Made several crucial interceptions and looked comfortable in possession.
Rodri (8/10) – Man City’s best performer tonight. Dictated the pace with pinpoint passing and won virtually every 50-50 challenge. Chipped in with an assist.
Mateo Kovacic (6/10) – Showed occasional glimpses of his passing prowess. Lost possession on several occasions where should’ve done better.
Cole Palmer (9/10) *MOTM* – Looked lively early on. Won many one-on-ones against Acuna as the game progressed. Crowned an electrifying performance with a goal.
Phil Foden (4/10) – Failed to make up for De Bruyne’s absence. A near-anonymous display from the left-footed playmaker.
Jack Grealish (6/10) – Unlucky not to score in the 17th minute. Drew numerous fouls but couldn’t impact the game the way he wanted.
Erling Haaland (3/10) – Disconnected from the pack for most of the night. Another frustrating final for the Norwegian goalscoring machine.
Substitutes
Julian Alvarez – N/A
